Fergus Pragnell
Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)
Fergus Pragnell was born in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, and his journey in rowing began at Canberra Boys Grammar. He later became a key member of the Sydney University Boat Club, where his talent shone brightly. In 2004, he made his mark on the international stage, competing in the men’s coxed four. Fergus and his crew showcased their incredible skill and determination, emerging victorious and becoming world under 23 champions.
The following year, 2005, was nothing short of extraordinary for Fergus. He dominated the national championships, claiming titles in the U23 men’s pair, four, and eight—all for Sydney University. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the Australian U23 men’s eight, which raced at World Cup III, finishing eighth. They then headed to the U23 World Championships, where they repeated their eighth-place finish, gaining valuable experience on the international circuit.
2005 Australian Under 23 Eight with Fergus in seven seat
In 2006, Fergus teamed up again with his fellow clubmates in the U23 men’s coxed four, where they captured a silver medal. This camaraderie and shared passion for the sport set the stage for future successes.
By 2007, Fergus had elevated his game, winning another national title in the U23 men’s eight with Sydney University. He stepped up to the senior team, competing at World Cups II and III, where the crew placed fourteenth and fifteenth. At the World Championships, he raced in the coxed pair, finishing a commendable fourth in the A final, showcasing his relentless drive and talent.
In 2008, Fergus celebrated more victories, winning the open men’s coxed four with Sydney University and playing a pivotal role in the NSW King’s Cup team’s triumph. Although he missed out on the Beijing Olympics, he continued to excel, racing in the coxed pair at the non-Olympic World Championships, where he proudly stood on the podium with a bronze medal.
The following year, 2009, was filled with more glory as Fergus clinched another national title in the coxless four and celebrated another King’s Cup victory. He was selected for the men’s eight at the World Championships, where the crew finished seventh, further solidifying his place among Australia’s elite rowers.
2009 NSW King's Cup winning crew with Fergus in seven seat
In 2010, Fergus continued his winning ways, capturing both the coxed four title and the King’s Cup. He initially raced in the men’s four at World Cup II, placing eighth, but was soon moved to the men’s eight for World Cup III, where they narrowly finished second behind the formidable German crew. He returned to the four for the World Championships, where he won the B final, placing seventh overall.
2011 was another remarkable year for Fergus, as he secured yet another King’s Cup victory, making it four wins in a row. He was selected for the Australian men’s eight, finishing seventh at World Cup III and fourth at the World Championships, which qualified the crew for the London Olympics.
In 2012, Fergus helped NSW achieve yet another King’s Cup victory, but he faced disappointment in missing selection for the Olympic team, being named as a reserve. Nonetheless, he showed resilience, racing in the men’s pair and finishing seventh at World Cup III. After a brief hiatus in 2013, where he only competed at the nationals, he once again raised the King’s Cup trophy.
In 2014, Fergus returned with Vigor, winning the men’s pair at the nationals and stroking the King’s Cup to its seventh consecutive victory. At World Cup I, he clinched bronze in the four and gold in the eight, demonstrating his versatility and leadership. Throughout the year, he continued to excel, winning silver at World Cup II and finishing seventh at World Cup III. At the 2014 World Championships, he and the four earned a bronze medal, adding to his impressive accolades.
2014 World Championships - Australian Bronze Medal Four with Fergus in bow
In 2015, Fergus was selected for the eight, finishing fifth at World Cup III and reaching the semifinals at Henley before placing ninth at the World Championships, which unfortunately meant the boat did not qualify for the Rio Games. The following year, at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in the eight, Fergus and his crew finished fourth, missing out on the last two spots for the Games. This race marked the end of his illustrious career, as Fergus retired after this regatta, leaving behind a legacy of determination, skill, and passion for the sport he loved.
Some rowing highlights
2004 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Men Coxed Four – First
2005 National Championship Under 23 Men’s Pair – First
2005 National Championship Under 23 Men’s Four – First
2005 National Championship Under 23 Men’s Eight – First
2005 World Rowing Cup III Men’s eight – Eight
2005 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Men’s eight – Eight
2006 World Rowing Under 23 Championship Men coxed Four – Second
2007 National Championship Under 23 Men’s Eight – First
2007 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Pair – Fifteenth
2007 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Pair – Fourteenth
2007 World Rowing Championship Men’s Coxed Pair – Fourth
2008 National Championship Men’s Coxed Four – First
2008 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2008 World Rowing Championship Men’s Coxed Pair – Third
2009 National Championship Men’s Coxless Four – First
2009 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2009 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Seventh
2010 National Championship Men’s Coxed Four – First
2010 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2010 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Eightth
2010 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Second
2010 World Rowing Championship Men’s Four – Seventh
2011 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2011 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Seventh
2011 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Fourth
2012 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2012 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Pair – DNF
2012 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Pair – Seventh
2013 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2014 National Championship Men’s Pair – First
2014 National Championship Interstate Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Four – Third
2014 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Eight – First
2014 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Four – Second
2014 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Seventh
2014 World Rowing Championships Men’s Four – Third
2015 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Eight – Fifth
2015 World Rowing Championships Men’s Eight – Ninth
2016 FISA European and Final Olympic Qualification Regatta Men’s Eight – Fourth
Jack Hargreaves
December 2024