Harriet Hudson scores bronze: Warwick celebrates hometown hero’s Olympic win

‘We’re so proud, and terribly excited’: Rowing star Harriet Hudson’s family, friends, and even primary school unite to commend the Warwick athlete on her Olympic glory.

TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 28: Bronze medalists Ria Thompson, Rowena Meredith, Harriet Hudson and Caitlin Cronin of Team Australia pose with their bronze medals during the medal ceremony for the Women's Quadruple Sculls Final A on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Sea Forest Waterway on July 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Warwick rowing star Harriet Hudson’s race for an Olympic medal captured eyes and hearts across the nation, but nowhere was her success more celebrated than the Rose City.

The 23-year-old and her Australian teammates won the bronze medal in the women’s quadruple sculls rowing final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Wednesday.

The homegrown athlete had thousands across Warwick and the country rallying behind her as her team raced for the finish line, but perhaps none more so than parents Lynton Hudson and Louise Clarke.

The proud couple watched the race from a hub for rowing athletes’ families in Brisbane alongside dozens of supporters, and said they were “ecstatic” when they realised their daughter was an Olympic medallist.

“It’s pretty amazing for us. We always thought there was an outside chance they could do it,” Dr Hudson said.

“They came from a long way back and didn’t do so well in the heat, but they had an amazing race in the repechage and we thought they’re hitting their form.

Harriet Hudson (centre) with dad Lynton and mum Louise Clarke, with both parents known for their own sporting successes. Picture: Rowing Australia

“We weren’t sure today because there was that big tailwind and that’s quite tricky … but they’ve had a bit of international racing experience underage, so they were able to take the pressure and deal with bad conditions.”

Forced to watch Harriet compete from the other side of the world due to Covid, Dr Clarke said she and her family were in awe of the overwhelming support from Warwick and the wider community.

“We’ve been particularly proud of our practice (Condamine Medical Centre). The girls and staff have really gone the extra mile, we’ve been very proud of that support and respect for our family,” she said.

“It’s just been overwhelming for us to feel that connectivity with our small community, of which we’re very proud and Harriet’s a very proud Warwick and Wheatvale girl.”

With the athlete completing up to Year 6 at Wheatvale State School, the small cohort was determined to throw its support behind one of its most successful alumni.

Acting principal Zita Hooke said every Wheatvale student gathered together to cheer on Harriet and her team during the big race, with the school uniting in a “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” chant.

“We’re very excited for (Harriet) and the whole of Wheatvale and Warwick, that someone from our little area has gone on to do such amazing things,” she said.

Harriet Hudson (front-right) was cheered on from the other side of the world by (clockwise from left) dad Lynton, mum Louise, and siblings Ella and William Hudson. Picture: file

“It was great that we were able to talk to the kids and say to them that someone from a small school dreamt big and achieved their goal, and there’s no reason why they can’t dream big as well.”

The proud family spoke with Harriet soon after her win, and said the reality of the Olympic achievement was still sinking in for her and the whole team.

With Harriet studying occupational therapy part-time alongside her rigorous training schedule, her parents said the future was uncertain but exciting after reaching the pinnacle of sport.

“She’s really thrilled, and I think she’s still in a state of disbelief. She’s holding that big bronze medal, it’s a source of disbelief for not just her, but all of us,” Dr Clarke said.

“She’s part of the national training centre, and if she aims for Paris (Olympics 2024) she’ll have to go back to the training centre.”

“We’re really appreciative of the Olympic International Committee and the Japanese who put it on … and all the other committees who have kept these athletes training,” Dr Hudson added.

“A lot of these young people only get one chance in a lifetime to do this, and for them to make it happen and I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been, it’s just tremendous.”