Joseph O'Brien

Joseph ‘Jack’ O’Brien has experienced a rollercoaster career to this point. Born in Dubbo and raised in Walgett, Joseph boarded in Bowral before moving to Sydney to attend St Joseph's College at Hunters Hill.

He began rowing at school, and although it wasn’t his first choice of sport, Joseph immediately became recognised as a talented rower. 

After competing for New South Wales at a youth level Joseph was selected to represent Australia at the U23 World Championships alongside Andrew Judge in the men’s pair. Following a fifth place finish the pair were awarded a chance to represent Australia at a senior level at the World championships in Poland.

His performances over the year saw Joseph awarded a spot in the men's sweep squad in 2019 ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Throughout 2019, Joseph as part of the men’s four, claimed gold at the World Rowing Cups II and III before qualifying the boat for Tokyo at the World Championships.

By the time of the delayed Tokyo Games were held, Joseph was selected in the men’s eight instead of the four. The Australian crew came fourth in both their heat and semi-final, to qualify for the A-Final and give themselves a shot at gold. However, a disappointing start to the final gave their opposition a head start they couldn't come back from. The team finished in sixth place and missed out on a medal.

Joseph returned to the men's four in 2022 and returned to winning ways. He rowed in Australia’s dominant performance at the World Rowing Cup II before back-to-back second place finishes at the World Rowing Cup III and World Championships.

In 2023, Joseph was again the unlucky man to miss out when Alexander Hill returned to the men's four. Illustrating again why he is a ‘Jack of all trades’, he once more was selected for the men's eight for the 2023 season.

However, before Joseph could race again in the eight, he competed alongside Angus Dawson in the men's pair at the World Rowing Cup II. Impressive performances throughout the competition saw the pair claim a bronze medal.

The World Rowing Cup III saw Joseph return to the men's eight. After progressing to the final, the Australian team were locked in a tense battle with heavy favorites Great Britain. After a tense race the Australian shot out from the 1000m mark to claim a stunning upset victory.

Throughout 2024, Joseph has continued to train and compete in the men's eight. He featured in the crew's fourth place finish at the World Rowing Cup II in May.