Rowing prodigy Harriet Hudson to follow father’s footsteps and represent Australia in rowing

The Warwick community will cheer on homegrown rowing prodigy Harriet Hudson when she competes in her first Olympics next month.

Father Lynton Hudson, Harriet Hudson and mother Louise Clarke (Photo: Rowing Australia/Sarah Reed).

Harriet Hudson always knew she wanted to be an Olympian, and the 23-year-old’s dreams are coming true with the Warwick-born athlete heading to Tokyo next month.

Hudson has been named as part of the Australian Olympic Rowing team.

The Australian Olympic Rowing team at Adelaide Oval (Photo: Rowing Australia/Sarah Reed).

While she was always a sporty child, it was her family history that first inspired Hudson to pick up an oar.

“(Rowing) was always something I’d wanted to try,” Hudson said.

“Dad had represented Australia and so that was one of the main reasons I wanted to do it, as well.”

Hudson said the memories of her father, Lynton, pulling out his Australian blazer cemented her rowing ambitions.

“He keeps it in this box in his wardrobe, and he brought it and out and I just thought it was so special I had to try (rowing),” she said.

It was when Hudson started her secondary education at a Brisbane boarding school that her natural talent for the sport was really unearthed.

The athlete said she formed a great relationship with the then rowing director who kickstarted her competitive journey.

“I went to nationals when I was in Year 10,” she said.

“Back then that was way too young, normally you had to be of Year 12 age to go, but he pulled some strings and I was able to go.”

Since then Hudson has dedicated her life to the sport, saying it was a surreal experience making the Olympic team.

After qualifying for the Olympic team in Switzerland last month, Hudson said she been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support she has received.

“It’s so special to be able to represent your country and wear the green and gold,” Hudson said.

“I feel so proud to be able to do it.”

Despite now living and training in Sydney, Hudson said the Rose City would always be home.

“I’m so proud to be from Warwick, because I love the community,” Hudson said.

Harriet Hudson (centre) with her parents Lynton and Louise. (Photo: Rowing Australia/Sarah Reed).

“I feel like a lot of people have followed my journey from when I was a young girl at Wheatvale State School going to practice, and it’s incredibly special to come from a town like Warwick.”

Hudson will soon head to Rockhampton for a training camp and then fly out from Cairns with fellow Australian Olympians.

She joins Allora athlete Matthew Denny in representing the Southern Downs at the Games. 

Hudson will compete in Tokyo in the Women’s quadruple sculls head on Friday, July 23.