The small towns of Nyngan and Walgett are awash with Olympic spirit as they follow local lads Jack Hargreaves (Nyngan) and Jack O’Brien (Walgett) who both qualified in the Men’s Eight rowing team currently representing Australia in Paris.  

The team who came in second in their first heat against Great Britain followed through with a third place on Thursday night which scored them a place in the final tomorrow at 7.10pm AEST. An amazing feat for these young hardworking Aussies. 

The families of both Jacks are in Paris to support them and according to mum, Jenny Hargreaves it is an experience of a lifetime. 

“After not being able to be part of the Olympics in Tokyo, for family and friends it is so exciting to all be together in Paris celebrating Jacks achievement of being selected for the 2024 Olympics and competing in the eight," Mrs Hargreaves said. 

“We are all very proud of him, so it’s a great experience to be able to cheer him and his team mates on in person.”  

Both former St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill students, the pair have made their mark on the rowing world, much to the pride of their families and the communities they grew up in. 

Jack Hargreaves (below) born and bred in Nyngan is an Australian representative rower and a world and Olympic champion. He won consecutive world championships in the coxless four at the World Rowing Championships in 2017 and was successful again in 2018 when the four defended the title for the win.  

No stranger to Olympic competition Jack rowed in seat three of the Australian men’s coxless four in Tokyo Olympics where the team took out a thrilling gold medal victory. 

Jack O’Brien (below) is an Australian national champion with a silver medal at senior world championships and several gold medals at world rowing cups.  



Jack rowed in the Australian Men’s Eight at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where the team came in sixth and is renowned for his versatility and skill. 

Both Nyngan and Walgett will be gripping their seats, jumping up and down in nervous anticipation as the bush boys’ row for their life on Saturday night for a place on the Olympic podium.