Stephen's Story
Stephen Handley began rowing while a student at Newington College and joined Sydney Rowing Club in 1974. That year, he won state and Australian schoolboy titles before representing New South Wales in an under-23 eight. Handley later won national championships across pairs, fours and eights, including King’s Cup victories with New South Wales in 1977 and 1978.
Handley represented Australia in the men’s eight at the 1977 and 1978 World Rowing Championships, placing fourth in 1978. At 24, he competed in the two seat of the Australian eight at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. The crew progressed through the repechage and finished fifth in the final. After retiring, Handley remained closely involved in rowing as a coach and administrator. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2025 for service to rowing.
