When Tahlia Turnbull walked into her Year 8 school sports expo, she had every intention of signing up for volleyball. Instead, a chance conversation at the neighbouring rowing table would change the course of her sporting journey.

“I originally planned to sign up for volleyball,” she recalls. “The volleyball table was next to the rowing table, one of the senior students handed me a learn to row form and told me I should give it a go.”

So, she did exactly that.

Arriving at her first learn to row session, Tahlia had no expectations. In fact, she jokes that she “didn’t even know what the boats would look like.”

Four years later, the 17-year-old Canberra local has gone from complete beginner to national champion and international representative, proudly wearing the green and gold at the 2026 International Rowing Challenge in the United States.

It’s been a rapid rise but not one she ever expected.

“When I reflect on when I first started rowing, I don’t think I could ever have imagined I would get to this point in such a short time.”

For Tahlia, rowing quickly became much more than a sport. She fell in love with being on the water, the challenge of mastering the technique and the constant opportunity to improve.

“Rowing is not an easy technique to perfect and the motivation I get from wanting to improve is what keeps me in the sport.”

That mindset has shaped her journey from local regattas on Lake Burley Griffin to one of Australia’s most promising young athletes. Earlier this year, she claimed the Under 19 Women’s Single Scull title at the Australian Rowing Championships, a result that reflected commitment from not only Tahlia but also the people who have supported her along the way.

“It meant more than words can describe,” she says. “It taught me the importance of patience, persistence and dedication and that nothing worth having comes easy.”

Just weeks later came the milestone of being selected in the Australian B Team for the International Rowing Challenge. The opportunity represented more than racing overseas as it was Tahlia’s first time travelling internationally and her first chance to represent Australia.

“I was incredibly excited that I would be able to represent my country in the sport that I love.”

Competing against athletes from the United States, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand, Tahlia embraced every moment of the experience, learning from some of the world’s best emerging rowers while creating memories that will stay with her long after the medals are packed away.

Her favourite race came in the Mixed Eight.

“Being able to stand on the podium in the Australian colours knowing me and my team had secured gold for Australia is a memory I will never forget.”

While the results were special, it’s the people behind the journey that Tahlia speaks about most.

Her family has been there from the very beginning, never missing a regatta and making countless sacrifices to support her ambitions. She also credits ANU coach Nigel Harding, for his unwavering belief in her, along with the teammates, friends and wider rowing community that continue to encourage her every step of the way.

That support became especially evident when the community rallied behind a fundraising campaign to help her travel to the United States.

“I feel so incredibly grateful for the community I am a part of. Knowing that there are people who believe and support me gives me that extra motivation to push myself further.”

Even while racing on the other side of the world, she carried that support with her.

“I often thought about the community who helped me get there and that I wasn’t just racing for myself but also for all those people who have given their time, support, trained with me, and continuously encouraged me.”

For Tahlia, that’s what makes rowing in the ACT so special.

“Being part of ACT rowing has allowed me to meet so many like-minded people who I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet. I feel that I am part of such a special community where I truly belong.”

At just 17 years old, Tahlia knows her rowing journey is only just beginning. Her focus is simple: continue enjoying the sport, keep improving and embrace every opportunity that comes her way.

She also has a message for the next generation of ACT rowers dreaming of wearing the green and gold one day.

“Hard work really does pay off. The most important thing though is to always make sure you enjoy the sport; you have to love it to be able to really push yourself towards your goals because loving the sport is the best motivation there is.”

What began as just a chance encounter at a school sports expo turning into representing Australia on the international stage, Tahlia’s story is a reminder of where curiosity, commitment and community can lead. For one of the ACT’s brightest young rowing talents, there’s little doubt that this is only the beginning.