Geelong rower Angus Widdicombe is well poised for medal success in Paris says former mentor

The former coach of a Geelong rower set to hit the water in his second Olympics reveals the secrets to his success and how a break from the sport relit the flame.

Geelong rower Angus Widdicombe in the Australian men’s eight on day five of the Tokyo Olympics in July, 2021. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images.

After a much-needed spell from the rigours of elite rowing, a Geelong product is back in the boat and primed to realise a lifelong dream in Paris, his former coach says.

Ex-Geelong College student and Barwon Rowing Club member Angus Widdicombe will compete in the men’s eight from Sunday in the French capital — his second crack at the Olympics after a sixth place in Tokyo three years ago.

Widdicombe, who would move to Melbourne’s Mercantile Rowing Club after learning his craft on the Barwon in 2013 and 14, came back into the national fold in 2022 after stepping away from the sport post-Tokyo to focus on his Environmental Science studies at Deakin University.

Angus Widdicombe will row at his second Olympics in Paris. Picture: Rowing Australia

It was a move which has so far yielded plenty of medals at various international meets.

However, all energies are now directed towards gold in Paris, and Widdicombe’s former mentor Andrew Cleary said his protege was feeling confident after meeting up with him in Canberra in April.

While Cleary had a beer, a dedicated Widdicombe had a coffee instead.

“He’s very confident the crew is going to go well, they’ve got a new coach from last Olympics,” Cleary said.

“They’ve put three of the guys from the gold medal four from Tokyo are in the eight.

“It appears they’ve stacking the eight up with the best of the best.”

He said Widdicombe would relinquish the stroke seat and be placed in fourth, with gold medallist Spencer Turrin joining the team.

“You can call that the engine room in the eight, the big power generating in the middle four and he’s in the midst of that,” Cleary said.

David and Angus Widdicombe at the book launch of The Conquerors. Picture: Alison Wynd

“They were a little bit off the pace (in Tokyo), this is a very different looking eight.”

Meanwhile Cleary said Widdicombe had needed a mental refresh after Tokyo.

“I think it’s like most athletes, particularly rowing, their sessions are six days a week, two to three sessions a day,” he said.

“You need to refresh and take a step back.

“He just needed to freshen up and redraw the hunger.”

Looking back on his time with Barwon a decade ago, Cleary said Widdicombe was a memorable student, known for his “tree trunk legs”.

“I had him for a couple of years, he was always known to have huge legs, which is really beneficial to rowing,” he said.

“Big tree trunk legs and a fella who was a fierce competitor ... (in what they call) the ultimate sport.

“For five minutes you’re in pretty solid pain, he knows no fear.”

He said Widdicombe was a gentle giant out of the boat, but also a “bloke’s bloke”, who will enjoy fantastic support with all of his family renting a house in Paris.

Local rowing fans, including Andrew Cleary (centre) going through the emotions during the Olympic heats in 2012.

“I know what the family is going through,” Cleary said, who’s daughter Jennifer rowed at Rio in 2016.

In fact, Cleary also coached Widdicombe’s sister.

“You would think a big fella like that would be intimidating but his personality is as such he’d give anything to anyone,” he said.

“Certainly no fuss with him, no airs or graces, but a very loveable guy,

“Very supportive of who’s around him.”

Widdicombe will return to Barwon RC for a fundraiser after the Olympics, an example of how the 29-year-old has not forgotten his roots.

Originally published as Geelong rower Angus Widdicombe is well poised for medal success in Paris says former mentor