Ambition.
Respect.
Camaraderie.
27 July 2025
ARC Member and Australian para-rower Sam Stunell etched his name into the history books by claiming gold in the inaugural PR3 Men’s Single Sculls event at the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.
ARC Member and Australian para-rower Sam Stunell etched his name into the history books by claiming gold in the inaugural PR3 Men’s Single Sculls event at the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.
Held on Lake Malta, this year’s regatta marked the first time para-rowing events were included at the Under 23 level, a milestone celebrated by athletes and federations alike.
Sam, just 18 years old, delivered a commanding performance in the final, pulling away from the field in the second 1000m, to finish with a decisive 13-second victory.
“I came out here with the intention that the only thing good enough for me was gold, so I’m stoked to be at the top of the podium,”
Sam made his international debut earlier in the season, racing in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls alongside veteran Lisa Greissl. The duo earned silver medals at both World Rowing Cup regatta in Varese and Lucerne, showcasing Sam's versatility and promise across boat classes.
Reflecting on his solo success, Stunnell emphasized the value of racing in the single scull:
“It’s great to come here and work on a different boat and work on some individual stuff that I need to work on, but also to use this regatta to learn and then come back into the double and improve and go even faster.”
The inclusion of PR3 events at the U23 level was hailed as a vital step in expanding opportunities for young para-athletes. Sam and his peers are seen as trailblazers, helping to grow the sport and inspire future generations.
“At the moment there’s a very limited amount of races to race in... it’s great to have this event which gives even more opportunities for people to race in para-categories,”
Sam will be back in action in a few weeks time, racing in the Mixed PR3 Double Sculls at the 2025 World Championships to be held in Shanghai from 21 to 28 September. Joining Sam in Shanghai will be a record contingent of fellow ARC members, all part of the Australian Rowing Team:
Alex Hill OAM - Men's Coxless Four
Angus Dawson - Men's Eight
Ella Bramwell - Women's Coxless Four and Eight
Oscar McGuinness - Men's Double Scull
Mitch Reinhard - Men's Double Scull