Legendary Tomkins receives highest international honour

James Tomkins (left) and Drew Ginn 
(2003 World Championships, Milan)

The Thomas Keller Medal is presented to an individual for an outstanding career in rowing and James Tomkins is the 24th recipient of the prestigious award.

A member of Australia’s most profiled rowing crew, the Oarsome Foursome, Tomkins won a prolific three gold medals and one bronze medal at the six Olympic Games he attended between the 1988 Seoul and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

He was rewarded by the Australian Olympic Committer at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with the honour of carrying the Australian flag at the Opening Ceremony.

Tomkins made his World Championships debut in 1985 in the men’s eight and competed in a total of 11 World Championships across his glittering career, winning seven gold medals.

In his international career, which spanned over 20 years, Tomkins won World Championships in every sweep boat category – men’s coxless pair, men’s coxed pair, men’s coxless four, men’s coxed four, men’s eight.

Tomkins was also part of the 1986 Commonwealth Games Australian men’s eight that won gold in Scotland, the last time rowing was contested at the Commonwealth Games.

The Victorian said to receive such recognition for his career was a humbling experience.

“To be recognised by the international body of rowing in such a way is a significant honour for me,” Tomkins said. “I have been very fortunate to have had such a wonderful career and life and to win the Thomas Keller medal means a lot.

“To follow in the footsteps of Michael McKay and Peter Antonie is very special and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my rowing career.”

FISA will make the official presentation to Tomkins at the 2010 World Rowing Championships in New Zealand (October 31–November 7).

Tomkins is the third Australian to have won the Thomas Keller Medal, with Peter Antonie (2003) and Mike McKay (2007) having been honoured in the past.

James Tomkins’ International Career