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.
From school rowing in Canberra to the Australian UniRoos, Darcy James reflects on the journey that has shaped him, the people who’ve supported him and the advice he has for the next generation of ACT rowers.
On most mornings at Lake Burley Griffin, before Canberra has fully woken, Darcy James is already on the water. Early starts and long weeks balancing study, work and rowing have become routine. This August, those years of consistency will culminate in Darcy representing Australia in the men’s single scull at the FISU World University Rowing Championships in Canada.
When the selection call came, it was a moment of both excitement and relief.
“I was absolutely stoked. It was an enormous boost of confidence and helped ease a bit of disappointment from being on the cusp but ultimately missing U23 Worlds selection at trials.”
For Darcy, rowing has always been about the process. He first discovered the sport through Marist College Canberra’s junior program, inspired by his older sister’s success. What kept him coming back wasn’t just the competition but the certainty that results are earned through consistent effort.
“The more you put in, the more you get out. A race is decided on training sessions months and years in advance.”
That mindset has carried Darcy through every stage of his development, from school rowing to Canberra Rowing Club and the ACT Academy of Sport. Along the way, he’s been supported by family, coaches and teammates who have helped him grow both on and off the water.
“My parents, Mike and Lisa, have been my biggest supporters from day one,” he says. “I simply couldn’t be more grateful for them, along with my whole family.”
He also credits senior Canberra Rowing Club athletes, including Nick Barnier, James Waldersee, Tom Trobe and Will Legge, for helping him find his place within the club and raising the standard around him.
Today, Darcy balances 20 to 25 hours of training each week alongside a double degree in Law (Honours) and International Security Studies at the Australian National University, as well as part-time work as a paralegal. It demands discipline, careful planning and, at times, sacrifice.
“It’s a full schedule, but I always think that while I’m doing one of the three, I’m resting from the other two.”
Like many athletes, Darcy’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Injury tested both his patience and his commitment to the sport, particularly during the transition out of school.
“Coming off my U19 season I had another injury alongside leaving school and I came as close to leaving the sport as I ever have.”
Fortunately, with time came perspective.
“I’ve come to accept that injury is something every athlete faces and it’s just another facet of competition.”
Despite those challenges, representing the ACT has remained valuable to Darcy’s rowing career. Pulling on the blue, gold and white, winning the Noel Donaldson Trophy and stroking ACT representative crews are among the moments he remembers most fondly. Looking ahead, he’s equally passionate about helping ACT crews continue to grow.
His focus, however, remains firmly on improvement rather than outcomes.
“I can’t control who I’m racing against. If I hit my target time, the result will take care of itself.”
It’s a philosophy that extends beyond rowing. While Brisbane 2032 sits in the back of his mind like it does for many young Australian athletes, Darcy’s ambition is simple: become the fastest rower he can be and let the results follow. Away from the water, he’s building a career in law with the same mindset.
“I want to be someone who performs at the elite level in all avenues of life.”
As he prepares to represent Australia, Darcy hasn’t forgotten the community that helped him get here. For young rowers coming through the ACT pathway, his advice is refreshingly simple.
“Just enjoy it. Rowing is one of the most fun and rewarding sports out there and that enjoyment is what keeps you in it long enough to reach your potential.”
He also believes that success is built over time.
“Be patient, be consistent and trust that the hard work compounds over time.”
It’s a message that captures Darcy’s journey perfectly. From school rowing in Canberra to the international stage, his story is one of persistence, perspective and a community that continues to support him every step of the way.
Support Darcy
As Darcy prepares to represent Australia at the FISU World University Rowing Championships, you can support his campaign by making a tax-deductible donation through his Australian Sports Foundation fundraising page here. Every contribution, big or small, helps cover the costs of competing internationally.
The following span closures and traffic flows will be in effect for Phase 3 of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project as work is commenced on Pier 3. Traffic flows will be in place from Thursday 21st May 2026.
Rowing ACT has requested buoys be placed between Spans 1 and 2 to support the differentiation of the traffic flows.