Croatia’s Legendary Sinković Brothers Confirm Return to Golden Oar 2026
Three-time Olympic gold medallists Martin and Valent Sinković to race again on Lake Burley Griffin
Golden Oar is thrilled to announce that Croatian rowing icons Martin and Valent Sinković will return to compete at The Golden Oar 2026, Canberra’s premier international rowing festival, taking place from 30 October to 1 November on the iconic waters of Lake Burley Griffin at Black Mountain Peninsula. The brothers, widely regarded as one of the greatest crews in rowing history and Croatia’s most decorated Summer Olympians, made their highly anticipated Australian debut at the inaugural Golden Oar in November 2025. Their presence electrified spectators and elevated the event’s global profile as they raced in the Open Mixed Quadruple Sculls alongside Australian Olympians. Now, following a strong 2026 season that has included World Cup gold in Plovdiv and a European Championships bronze in the men’s double sculls, the Sinkovićs are set to make a triumphant return to the Southern Hemisphere for the expanded three-day festival, teaming up with Australian Dual Olympians Tara Rigney and Laura Gourley in the Open Mixed Quad Sculls event. The 2026 Golden Oar, presented by Canberra Airport, builds on the spectacular success of its debut year. The event now spans three action-packed days and features expanded categories including Open Mixed Quad Sculls, Mixed Double Sculls showcase events, Club Mixed Eights, Under 19, Masters, and Para events. Athletes will contest a demanding combination of tactical, endurance and sprint distances for more than A$200,000 in prize money – one of the richest purses in world rowing – alongside a vibrant lakeside festival of live music, local food and community celebrations. The Sinković brothers – Olympic champions in the double sculls (Rio 2016) and coxless pair (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) – continue to compete at the highest level while inspiring a new generation of rowers. Their return forms part of a growing list of confirmed international talent expected to feature in the 2026 programme.
Entries for Golden Oar 2026 are now open – Enter Here