A University of Gloucestershire postgraduate student has been appointed Head Coach of Rowing Australia’s gold medal-winning Paralympic Programme.

James Loveday was promoted to the role after spending two years as Para Lead Coach at Rowing Australia, the national governing body of the sport in Australia.

As Para Lead coach, James contributed to Rowing Australia winning their first ever Paralympic gold medal, in the mixed double sculls in Paris last year. He joined Rowing Australia in December 2022, after spending nearly three years at British Rowing as a Performance Pathway Coach on its Paralympic Programme.

James said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Head Coach for the para rowing programme at Rowing Australia.

“It’s a privilege to work with such a talented group of athletes and staff, and I’m excited to build on the incredible legacy created in Paris. Together, we will strive to achieve even greater heights as we look towards Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”

Whilst James works as Head Coach, he will also be working towards a masters degree, remotely from Australia, in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching. He will be looking to build on Australia’s historic performance at the Paralympic Games in Paris, with the Mixed Double Sculls of Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager achieving Australia’s first ever para-rowing gold medal.

Dr Rachael Bullingham, Senior Lecturer of Sport and Exercise Science at the University, said: “James has managed the course exceptionally well, successfully juggling an important new position on the other side of the world with his studies.

“As part of the course, he completed a fascinating work-based project on the stress on coaches at an international event. We are very pleased that James has been able to continue on the course and wish him every success in his new role with Rowing Australia.”

James was also praised by Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE, for his experience across various world class programs, and said the paralympic rowing program was in capable hands.

Mr Thompson said: “James is a skillful, creative and athlete centred leader and brings a wealth of experience at all levels of Paralympic Rowing, both in the United Kingdom and Australia.

“He picks up the para squad as it rebuilds and shapes its LA 2028 campaign on the back of Australia's most successful Paralympic Regatta in Paris”

Para-rowing offers inclusive opportunities for people with physical, visual, and mental impairments to participate in the sport. Rowing clubs in many countries have rowing programs which allow athletes to train and compete at various levels. These programs accommodate everyone, ensuring all participants can enjoy rowing safely.

The sport focuses on building a supportive community, promoting physical fitness, and enhancing mental wellbeing through competition.

Anyone who is looking to get involved in rowing should contact their local club, or reach out to any current members.

The University of Gloucestershire has a rowing team open to students, but for the general public - the closest clubs are Monmouth Rowing Club, Ross Rowing Club or Gloucester Rowing Club.