A dual Olympian in Rowing and an Australian representative in Sailing, Sarah is now focused on driving the development of sport globally with a particular focus on gender equality and sport for development. Through her roles in high performance governance, administration, leadership and coaching, Sarah has led the development of winning cultures across sport at a national and international level.
Despite having only retired from competitive sport in 2015, Sarah has already established herself as one of Australia’s most respected emerging leaders in sport. She has created lasting impact in international sport, influenced positive outcomes through lobbying Government, advisory to national and international sporting organisations, and involvement in large scale national and international sporting events. Her insight into people development, leading with influence, and driving a performance culture all with a people-centred approach make her a unique and highly sought-after leader.
Sarah’s journey into sport started at a young age, after watching the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympic Games at the age of 7, the flame was lit within her. Sarah’s dream was to one day compete at the Olympic Games and to represent Australia, something she achieved 16 years later when she competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Rowing. Sarah went on to represent Australia in the sports of Rowing and Sailing for 12 years and competed at two Olympic Games. During her time as an athlete, Sarah campaigned for gender equality and throughout her professional career has used her platform to further this agenda both nationally and internationally.
Sarah is currently the CEO of Rowing Australia and is a member of the World Rowing Council as the Continental Representative for Oceania and is the first women to hold these positions. Sarah was also the first non-British woman and third Australian to be elected a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta and is a commentator for the World Rowing international broadcast. Sarah is the proud mother of 1-year-old Max and 3-year-old Astrid, and aspires to be a role model for her children by being the change that she wants to see in the sporting sector.
