Robin Poke, a revered figure in Australian rowing and the Olympic movement, has died at the age of 81. He passed away on December 12, prompting tributes from Rowing Australia and Rowing ACT, which remembered him as a gentleman who elevated the sport's profile.
Born in England, Poke was a member of the Mosman Rowing Club in New South Wales and later the Canberra Rowing Club after migrating to Australia. He was passionate about rowing as a competitor but became a giant in the sport as a journalist and administrator.
His achievements included founding and editing Australian Rowing magazine, serving as executive director of the Australia Rowing Council, and acting as media liaison for rowing at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games. He also served as president of the ACT Olympic Council from 2005 to 2017.
In 2013, Poke was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to rowing and the Olympic movement. Despite an eye disorder, he earned a master's degree in sports studies and completed a PhD at the University of Canberra in 2019.
His daughter Tami said his greatest achievement was his family, recalling how he cared for his wife Lesley before her death in 2010 and was an excellent grandfather. A memorial service will be held on January 30 at the Red Shed in Acton.
