James Tomkins

James Tomkins, OAM, is one of Australia’s most established and decorated rowers, having competed in 6 Olympic Games and countless other World Championships and Rowing Cups. He is also the only rower in history to win world titles in every sweep oar event. 

In 1997 James received an Order of Australia, was named as the Victorian Father of the Year by the Father’s Day Council of Victoria in 2008 and in 2010, he was inducted as a member of the Rowing Victoria’s Hall of Fame as well as being awarded with the International Rowing Community’s highest award, the Thomas Keller Medal for his outstanding career.  

In addition to achieving all of this, James inspired many by holding down full-time employment, studying and working in the Finance sector, as well as being a dedicated husband and father to three daughters. He is now heavily involved in sports administration as a member of the International Olympic Committee and Australian Olympic Committee.  

His passions include sport and the benefits that a positive and healthy lifestyle it brings, and with this, he continues to challenge himself in events like Ironman events, ultra-marathons and island crossing in kayaks.  

Join us for the next episode of the podcast, where Dr Swann talks to James about what elite sport taught him, how he applies those lessons today, as well as what he thinks about mental health and what he has learnt from being a parent.  

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode.