John E Jenkinson
Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
1956 – Olympic Games – Men’s Coxed Four cox – Fourth
Bob Duncan in his book Small boat rowers of the fifties described John as follows: John was a Yarra Yarra Rowing Club 15 year old, fortunate to be in the right club at the right time. His club was "Parks" long time host [Yarra Yarra Rowing Club], whenever short term river racking was required. Mick was arranging for some river training, before deciding on the cox. His enquiry at Yarra Yarra resulted in an old friend, Jack Donald recommending young Johnny who he said was an excellent cox. Jack also lent Mick a motor boat to assist with coaching, which helped enormously with the crew's training on the lower Yarra. This turned out to be a great outcome for all concerned.
1956 Olympic Coxed Four with John in the front
John went on to become a regular rower and staunch support of Yarra Yarra Rowing Club until family issues intervened. John is a life long active member of the sport.He organised a very successful tour in 2012 to the London Olympic Games for those in or associated with the 1956 rowing team. He is planning another trip to Tokyo in 2021. He is one of the sports great gentlemen who remains so very active at his age.
Andrew Guerin
May 2020