Tom Laurich is a highly experienced high‑performance rowing coach and two‑time Olympian, bringing over two decades of elite sport expertise to his role as Head Coach of Sydney University Boat Club.

 

Tom represented Australia at the Olympic Games and competed internationally for more than a decade, developing a deep understanding of what drives sustained success at the highest level of sport. Following his athletic career, he transitioned into coaching, where he has built an outstanding record across national programs, institutes, and leading club environments.

With over 17 years of coaching experience, Tom has held senior positions at both the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), where he worked with Australia’s top-tier athletes and contributed to the development of Olympic and World Championship medalists. His coaching approach is grounded in performance excellence, technical precision, and the creation of environments that enable athletes to thrive.

 

At Sydney University Boat Club, Tom leads one of Australia’s premier high‑performance rowing programs. He is responsible for designing and delivering a structured, athlete‑centred program that develops athletes from emerging talent through to international representation. His philosophy emphasises discipline, resilience, teamwork, and accountability, underpinned by a strong commitment to athlete wellbeing and sustainable performance.

 

Tom’s international coaching record includes leading crews to World Rowing Championship medal performances, most notably guiding the Australian men’s coxless four to podium finishes at successive World Championships.

Across his roles within national pathways and institute programs, he has coached athletes and crews to World Championship and World Cup success, contributing to multiple A‑final appearances and medals at the highest level of the sport.

He has also played a key role in the development of internationally competitive Australian crews, with athletes progressing through national systems to represent Australia at World Championships, Under‑23 Championships, and Olympic campaigns—reflecting his ability to consistently convert developing talent into world‑class performance outcomes.

 

Tom remains passionate about building people as much as performance—creating environments where athletes are not only capable of winning, but are equipped with the skills, mindset, and character to succeed beyond sport.