Commonwealth Games Australia mourns the passing of Cardiff 1958 dual medallist rower Stuart MacKenzie.

One of the nation’s greatest single scullers, an imposing figure standing 195cm and weighing close to 95kgs, ‘Sam’ was one of the biggest men in world rowing, passed away at the age of 84 on 20 October 2020.

MacKenzie won a silver medal in single sculls at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.

At the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, MacKenzie had his best international performance winning a gold medal in single sculls and also set a Commonwealth Games record (7:20.1 mins), and he received a silver medal in double sculls when he paired with Mervyn Wood.

With the 1960 Rome Olympics looming, MacKenzie was clearly the best rower in the world. However, when he got to Rome, he took ill and had to withdraw from the competition.

Ahead of the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games, MacKenzie decided against returning to Australia to compete in the trial races, and remained in the United Kingdom for the remainder of his career and life.

Commonwealth Games Australia joins Rowing Australia in extending our condolences to Stuart MacKenzie’s family and friends.