Victor Schweikert
Leichhardt Rowing Club (NSW)
Barry Moynahan, Rowing NSW and Leichhardt Rowing Club Life Member, published the following article on the Rowing NSW website on 5th January 2024.
Lionel Robberds AM QC (Leichhardt Rowing Club Patron) advises that Victor Schweikert, former National, State and Club representative passed way in recent days (late December 2023).
Vic's success on the water followed the Leichhardt Eights win over the NSW State crew, when preparing for the 1958 Empire Games at Cardiff in Wales. Five Leichhardt oarsmen, with Lionel as Coxswain, represented Australia in the Eight, winning the Silver medal.
Vic was also in the 1959 NSW Kings Cup Eight mainly comprised of Leichhardt Oarsmen, winning the Kings Cup for the first time since 1951.
The Schweikert family of Bert, Carl and Eric had been successful Coaches at Leichhardt. It was Eric's son Victor, who had crewed in the Kings Cup from 1957 to 1957 and again in 1960,
In his younger days Vic had been a member of the winning Shore Eight in the Head of the River going on to win the Australian Schoolboys Championship.
As a former retired Police officer, Vic was a regular attendee at relevant functions for retirees from Police and Rowing.
May he rest in peace.
1958 Commonwealth Games Rowing Tea, - Victor second from the left
1959 NSW rowing team after King's Cup win - Victor second from the right
Back row: Ken Railton, Peter Waddington, Lionel Robberds with Cup. Second row: Bruce Evans, Ted Curtain, Max Annett, Phil Cayzer (coach), John Hudson (obscured), Vic Schweikert, Graeme (Mick) Allen. Front row: Bill Hatfield (sculler), Frank McLeod (manager), Ralfe Currall
Main rowing events
1957 - Interstate Championship Men's Eight, four seat - Second
1958 - Commonwealth Games, Coxless Four, stroke - Bronze
1959 - Interstate Championship Men's Eight, four seat -First
1960 - Interstate Championship Men's Eight, four seat - Second
Compiled by Andrew Guerin
January 2024