Campbell Watts
Sydney University Boat Club (NSW)
Campbell Watts began his rowing journey at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill and continued his development at the Sydney University Boat Club from 2013. In 2015, he claimed his first national title, winning the Under-23 Men’s Eight at the National Championships, as well as the Under-21 Pair. That same year, he was part of the New South Wales Interstate Youth Eight, which claimed victory in a dominant performance.
2015 Wilkinson Cup Podium - Cam is third from left
In 2017, Campbell’s hard work paid off when he gained selection for the National Training Centre in Canberra, marking a major turning point in his career. He relocated from Sydney to join the elite program. That same year, he earned his first national team spot in the Men’s Eight, racing at World Cup II and finishing fourth. For World Cup III, Campbell was moved to the Men’s Four but struggled to make an impact, only reaching the B Final and finishing at the back of the field. However, he showed resilience and was moved back into the Eight for his first World Championships, where he finished second in the B Final—an important step forward in his development.
In 2018, Campbell made a bold switch from sweep rowing to sculling, racing the Men’s Single Scull at World Cups II and III. Although he placed 14th and 13th, respectively, it was clear that Campbell was still adjusting to the new discipline. Following the World Cups, the Australian team made some further selections, and Campbell was moved into the Quad for the World Championships. His presence in the crew was a game-changer, helping to elevate the team’s performance. The Quad made it to the A Final, and despite sitting in sixth place at the 1,000m mark, Campbell and the crew surged forward, passing several boats to claim a silver medal—a testament to their grit and determination.
In 2019, Campbell reached another milestone in his career, winning his first senior national title in the Double Scull alongside his fellow club member, Cameron Girdlestone. He continued in sculling for the international season, finishing fifth and sixth at the World Cups. At the World Championships, the Australian Quad made it to the A Final, securing a spot for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite their strong performance, they slipped back in the final stages of the race and crossed the line in fourth, agonizingly close to a medal and to securing an Olympic spot.
2019 Men's Double Scull National Champion, Cam is third from left
In 2021, Campbell once again triumphed at the National Championships, this time winning the Double Scull with David Watts. The pair was selected to race in the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta, where a top two finish would secure a spot for the Tokyo Olympics. They gave it everything they had, racing with intensity and heart, but despite a blistering start, they finished third, just missing out on the coveted Olympic spot. It was a devastating blow, but Campbell’s spirit was far from broken.
After a year away from the sport, Campbell stayed connected to rowing, continuing to train with Sydney University. In 2023, he returned to the National Training Centre and was selected for the Quad Scull for the international season. He placed sixth at World Cup II and narrowly missed the podium at World Cup III, finishing fourth. Unfortunately, after the final World Cup of the season, Campbell was sidelined by an injury, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
In 2024, Campbell returned to the top of his game, winning the Open Men’s Quad Scull at the National Championships. The same quad then went on to race at World Cup I, where they made it to the A Final and finished fifth. This result led to the decision to send the crew to the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta, where they had one final chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. In their heat, Campbell and the crew posted the fastest time, showing they were in top form. However, in the final, they struggled to find their rhythm and finished sixth—just shy of Olympic qualification. It was a heart-wrenching moment, a cruel reminder of how fleeting Olympic dreams can be.
 650.jpg)
2024 National Championship Men's Quad - Campbell third from left
Throughout his career, Campbell Watts has embodied the essence of a dedicated, passionate athlete. From his early days at St Joseph’s College to his years at the National Training Centre, Campbell has shown time and time again that he is willing to fight for every opportunity, push through every setback, and pour his heart into every race. His journey, though filled with highs and lows, has been one of perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding drive to achieve greatness.
Some rowing highlights
2015 National Championship Under 23 Men’s Eight – First
2015 National Championship Under 21 Coxless Pair – First
2015 National Championship Interstate Men’s Youth Eight – First
2017 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Eight – Fourth
2017 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Four – Eleventh
2017 World Rowing Championship Men’s Eight – Eighth
2018 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Single Scull – Fourteenth
2018 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Single Scull – Thirteenth
2018 World Rowing Championship Men’s Quad Scull – Second
2019 National Championship Men’s Double Scull – First
2019 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Double Scull – Fifth
2019 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Double Scull – Sixth
2019 World Rowing Championship Men’s Quad Scull – Fourth
2021 National Championship Men’s Double Scull – First
2021 World Rowing Final Olympic Qualification Regatta Men’s Double Scull – Third
2023 World Rowing Cup II Men’s Quad Scull – Sixth
2023 World Rowing Cup III Men’s Quad Scull – Fourth
2024 National Championship Men’s Quad Scull – First
2024 World Rowing Cup I Men’s Quad Scull – Fifth
2024 World Rowing Final Olympic Qualification Regatta Men’s Quad Scull – Sixth
Jack Hargreaves
December 2024