Life Membership: David Yates

RV LIFE MEMBERSHIP: DAVID YATES

Life Membership of Rowing Victoria is the sport’s highest honour. It is reserved for those who have demonstrated significant, sustained and high-quality service that enhances the reputation and future of rowing through the State by virtue of their considerable contribution to rowing. This reward is granted in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding service to the sport of rowing.

David Yates has made a significant impact on the sport of rowing in Australia through his long and distinguished service as a coach and selector. His contributions have been characterised by innovation, rigour, and a commitment to the systematic development of athletes and crews.

David's rowing career began at the Melbourne University Boat Club, where he achieved success as a competitor. He was part of the National Championship Lightweight Eight that won first place in 1972. However, it was his transition to coaching that truly set him apart in the rowing community.

During the 1980s, David ran a sculling squad in Melbourne that revolutionised the way scullers trained. He introduced systematic and innovative training methods, including a higher proportion of aerobic distance training, structured training plans, organised sessions, and training in multiple boats. These methods, gained from his experience in Europe, were ahead of their time in Australia and laid the groundwork for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and other sculling squads in the country. His squad achieved considerable success, with scullers' eights starting to defeat state crews, demonstrating the effectiveness of his approach.

David's coaching career is highlighted by several notable achievements. He coached the Men's Lightweight Single Scull to gold at both the 1986 Commonwealth Games and the World Championships, showcasing his ability to prepare athletes for success on the international stage. His work with Peter Antonie and Hamish McGlashan, particularly McGlashan's unexpected victory in the Diamond Sculls at the 1988 Henley Royal Regatta, stands out as a testament to his coaching prowess. These successes were the result of David's systematic training methods and his ability to bring out the best in his athletes.

After a successful coaching career, David transitioned to the role of selector, where he continued to influence Australian rowing. As a selector from 1989 to 2012, and Chairman of Selectors from 1996 to 2005, he played a crucial role in the growth of Australia's success in rowing. His work as a selector was marked by a commitment to fairness, rigour, and the pursuit of excellence. Under his guidance, Australian crews achieved notable success, including the Oarsome Foursome crews and the 1992 Olympic double scull.

David's contributions to rowing have been recognised with his induction into the Victorian Rowing Hall of Fame in 2010. His legacy is one of innovation, systematic development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through his work, he has significantly contributed to the success of Australian rowing and has left a lasting impact on the sport.

David was awarded Life Membership at the 148th Rowing Victoria AGM on the 27th October 2024.

Bio Credit: Rowing Australia

David coaching at 1988 Olympic Games

Image Credit: Australian Rowing History