James Chapman
James Chapman (born 2 November, 1979) began his rowing career at Newington College where he was coached by Michael Morgan and was a member of the 1997 Head of the River winning 1st VIII (a feat yet to be matched by a Newington 1st VIII since).
He then began training at UTS Rowing Club, under the tutelage of Tim McLaren and competed in the U23 World Rowing Championships, placing second. It was three years before he graced the international stage again, where he came 4th in the 2003 World Rowing Championships. His results in 2003 put James in a strong position for the 2004 season, where he was a member of the 2004 King Cup crew that broke NSW’s 20-year drought in the event, and then went on to be the reserve for the men’s team in the 2004 Olympic games.
James then competed in the men’s eight at the 2006 World Rowing Championships, placing fourth, before again representing Australia as three seat of the men’s eight at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
After the Beijing Games, James joined Sydney Rowing Club as both a coach and athlete and has served as a great example for younger athletes who wish to follow his path of Olympic representation. Since then, James has competed for Sydney Rowing club at the Head of the Charles Regatta, placing fourth in the single and registering his third, fourth and fifth Kings Cup titles.
James has competed in ten King's Cup crews for NSW and won five of them which is a remarkable achievement for anyone. His success over the past three years has gained him selection in the men's four for the 2012 London Olympic Games. After an amazing effort the men's four won the silver medal.
