SA’s Matt Nielsen proud to be third generation selected in King’s Cup team

His father helped SA taste victory at the King’s Cup 40 years ago, his grandfather rowed during the 1940s – now this rowing star hopes to be part of history.

Matt Nielsen (left) has been named in the SA team which will compete at the King’s Cup nationals in Tasmania. Matt’s grandfather Keith Coldwell (centre), represented SA at the King’s Cup from 1948-1952 and his father Mike Nielsen (right), was in the state team for the event the last time that SA won 40 years ago. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Matt Nielsen can remember watching his father and grandfather row and dreaming of emulating their success.

Now 40 years after his dad Mike Nielsen and almost 70 since his grandfather Keith Coldwell featured with SA at the King’s Cup Rowing Regatta, Matt is set to do the same.

Matt, 22, will make his debut in the King’s Cup – Australia’s blue riband annual rowing race for men – in Tasmania this Sunday.

Mike, now 61, was part of SA’s crew in 1981-1983, 1985 and in 1988 which was the last time the state won the event.

Keith, now 93, rowed for SA from 1948-1952.

Matt will form part of the middle or the “engine room” in the boat and said earning a berth in SA’s team for the King’s Cup was a feat he always had his eyes on achieving.

SA rower Matt Nielsen ahead of the 2021 King’s Cup national regatta. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“It’s pretty special and especially for me, having that family connection with the boat and the race itself,” Matt, of Kidman Park, said.

“I’ve always had this as a goal, there’s heaps of old photos of dad at home, so growing up I had that idea in my head.”

Matt never saw his dad and grandfather race “in their prime” but still has fond memories of the pair rowing with masters teams.

“When I was first starting, dad was rowing in the Masters State Team, so I can remember going down to West Lakes and getting to see him race which was pretty exciting,” Matt said.

“Pop stopped rowing in his early 80s, I think, so I got to see him at training and in a couple of races.

“They’ve given me plenty of advice and are always in my ear before regattas.

“It’s always good to hear from them and their experiences.”

Matt began rowing with Port Adelaide in 2010 – the club Mike and Keith were part of – and he has continued ever since.

He said helping SA break a 40-year drought and claiming the King’s Cup would be a dream come true.

“We know it’s always going to be a pretty tough competition,” Matt said.

“We’ve got a pretty strong crew this year so anything can happen.

“Winning would mean the world, it would be the pinnacle of my rowing career.”

Mike was proud of his son and hopeful SA could win.

“He’s a good athlete, he’s really knuckled down and enjoy what he’s doing,” Mike said.

“I’ll be proud of him no matter what.

“I try and give him the best advice that I can and he doesn’t mind giving me a hug on the odd occasion as well.”

The 2021 King’s Cup will be hosted on Lake Barrington, Tasmania, and is the culminating race at the Australian Rowing Championships, this Sunday.