Alexander Lloyd
Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)
Alex Lloyd’s rowing journey began at Shore School in Sydney, where he raced in the First Eight alongside Nick Purnell, and together, they captured the glory of winning the prestigious AAGPS Head of the River in 2008. It was here that Alex's deep passion for the sport first took root. He continued his rowing career with Sydney Rowing Club, and in 2012, his relentless commitment and drive earned him a spot in the Under-23 Men’s Eight for Australia, marking the start of his international career. At the regatta, Alex and his crew battled fiercely, securing a hard-earned bronze medal, finishing just behind the USA and Great Britain—a taste of the international competition that would fuel his determination in the years to come.
In 2013, Alex took a leap into the senior ranks of rowing, and at his very first World Cup event in Sydney, he earned a silver medal in the Men’s Coxless Four. His resolve and competitive fire only grew stronger from there. Staying with the Four for the rest of the season, Alex continued to rise to the occasion—winning gold at World Cup II and silver at World Cup III. At his first World Championships, the crew fought tooth and nail, leading the A final until the final 100 meters, when the Netherlands surged ahead. Though they were overtaken in the closing meters, Alex and the crew held their heads high, crossing the line to claim a hard-fought silver medal.
In 2014, Alex’s passion for racing reached new heights. He won his first King's Cup for New South Wales, contributing to the state’s incredible seventh consecutive win. He was once again selected for the Coxless Four, and the results spoke for themselves: two gold medals at World Cup I in both the Four and the Eight. But passion doesn’t come without its challenges. Alex faced a setback when he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of World Cup II, and the crew struggled at World Cup III, failing to reach the A final. But Alex's unyielding drive saw him return for the World Championships later that year. Despite a rocky start in the final, the crew’s determination and Alex’s resilience shone through as they powered past the competition, ultimately claiming a bronze medal.
2014 World Championships Podium with Alex on the right
In 2015, Alex’s bond with his pair partner, Spencer Turrin, grew even stronger, and together, they dominated at the National Championships, winning three titles: in the Coxless Pair, Coxless Four, and Coxed Four. Their outstanding results earned them a spot in the Four for the third consecutive year. The crew struggled at World Cup II but stepped up when it mattered most at World Cup III. With an explosive middle 1000 meters, Alex and his crew led the field from halfway to the finish, upsetting the powerhouse Italians and proving their true potential. But tragedy struck during a group ride after the regatta—Alex suffered a broken collarbone, and though Spencer and Alex Hill escaped with only bruises, the injury sidelined Alex. Replaced by Josh Dunkley-Smith, the Four still secured a silver medal at the World Championships, but it was bittersweet—unable to repeat the magic of their World Cup III triumph.
2016 brought another national title in the Coxless Four, but it was the Rio Olympics that would become the defining moment of Alex’s career. Partnering with Spencer in the Men’s Pair, Alex pushed himself to the limit. Though the pair placed fifth in the World Cup season, they found redemption with a silver medal at the final World Cup before the Olympics. In Rio, the pressure was immense. They fought hard, making the final, but despite all their efforts, they crossed the line in sixth place—a humbling result that marked the end of Alex's international career. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but Alex had poured every ounce of his heart into the race.
Alex in the stroke seat at the 2016 Olympic Games
Alex’s final appearance came in 2017 at the Nationals, where he helped New South Wales reclaim the King’s Cup from Victoria, a fitting and emotional way to end his rowing journey. In just five years on the international circuit, Alex had secured medals at four major regattas, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His unwavering commitment to excellence, his fierce competitive spirit, and his boundless passion for the sport drove him to push beyond his limits time and time again.
Alex holding the King's Cup in 2017
While Alex demanded the best from himself and his teammates, he also brought a light-hearted, cheerful energy to every training session and race. He had a unique ability to combine fierce determination with a relaxed, positive attitude, inspiring those around him to always aim higher and never give up.
Some rowing highlights
2008 AAGPS Head of the River – First
2012 World Rowing Under 23 Championships Men’s Eight – Third
2013 World Rowing Cup One Men’s Coxless Four – Second
2013 World Rowing Cup Two Men’s Coxless Four – First
2013 World Rowing Cup Three Men’s Coxless Four – Second
2013 World Rowing Championship Men’s Coxless Four – Second
2014 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup One Men’s Coxless Four – First
2014 World Rowing Cup One Men’s Eight -First
2014 World Rowing Cup Three Men’s Coxless Four – Seventh
2014 World Rowing Championship Men’s Coxless Four – Third
2015 National Championship Open Men’s Coxless Pair – First
2015 National Championship Open Men’s Coxless Four – First
2015 National Championship Open Men’s Coxed Four – First
2015 World Rowing Cup Two Men’s Coxless Four – Fourth
2015 World Rowing Cup Three Men’s Coxless Four – First
2016 National Championship Open Men’s Coxless Four – First
2016 World Rowing Cup Two Men’s Coxless Pair – Fifth
2016 World Rowing Cup Three Men’s Coxless Pair – Second
2016 Olympic Games Rio Men’s Coxless Pair – Sixth
2017 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
Jack Hargreaves
December 2024