James Donald
Albert Park Rowing Club (VIC) and Fremantle Rowing Club (WA 1896-97)
1894 – Intercolonial Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1895 – Intercolonial Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1897 – Intercolonial Men’s Eight Championship (WA) stroke – Second
1899 – Intercolonial Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1900 – Intercolonial Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1901 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship four seat – First
1902 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1903 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1905 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1907 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – First
1907 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – Second
1908 - Interstate Eight Oared Championship stroke – Second
1910 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship stroke – Second
Successful 1905 Victorian crew stroked by James Donald - seen here seated in the middle
His first win was with his brother Charles in the maiden eight double at Ballarat and Barwon in 1889. Known as the prince of oarsmen, he helped Victoria to a long and important period of great success. His record was not beaten until the Tomkins, McKay and Green period, some 90 years later. He stroked the first representative crew from WA in the Interstate Championships whilst rowing for Fremantle. That Club history reports that Donald disliked sea travel and this was pre rail, so he and fellow rower J Porteous cycled back to Victoria: an amazing feat in those days.
Andrew Guerin 2011