The Australian sporting community is in mourning following the death of Robin Poke AM, a towering figure in rowing and the Olympic movement, remembered as much for his gentlemanly character as for his profound administrative and journalistic contributions to sport.
A Life Dedicated to Sport and Community
Robin Poke passed away on December 12, sparking an outpouring of tributes from national and territory sporting bodies, including Rowing Australia and Rowing ACT. Born in England, Poke found his sporting home in Australia, first with the Mosman Rowing Club in New South Wales and later with the Canberra Rowing Club after moving to the national capital.
His passion for rowing was multifaceted. While a keen competitor, his legacy was cemented through decades of work behind the scenes. He was the founder and editor of the Australian Rowing magazine and served as the executive director of the Australia Rowing Council. His leadership extended to roles as chair of the ACT Rowing Association and president of the ACT Olympic Council from 2005 to 2017.
Olympic Service and Academic Pursuit
Poke's expertise made him an indispensable part of Australia's Olympic efforts. He acted as media liaison for rowing at three consecutive Summer Games: Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004. He also managed Australian teams at world championships, helping to elevate the sport's profile on the global stage.
His commitment to chronicling the sport's history was academic in its rigour. Despite being diagnosed with the degenerative eye disorder Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 25, Poke earned a master's degree in sports studies. In 2019, he completed a PhD at the University of Canberra with a landmark thesis titled A Narrative History of Australian Rowing from 1770 to 2016.
His professional life also included significant media roles, as a former sports editor at Channel 9 Adelaide and head of sport at Capital Television in Canberra, a position which prompted his move to the ACT.
Family Man and Local Champion
Beyond the public accolades, which included being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2013, Robin Poke was a devoted family man. His daughter, Tami, said that while he was proud of his professional achievements, his family was his greatest pride.
"He cared so wonderfully for our mum, Lesley, before she died in 2010, and was an excellent Grandpa to his five grandchildren," she said. "There probably aren't many 70-plus-year-olds willing to get on a trampoline with a toddler, but I have fond memories of Dad doing just that."
Poke also ventured into politics, standing as a Labor candidate in the 2001 Senate election on a ticket with Kate Lundy under the slogan "Putting Canberra First". He authored a biography of rower Peter Antonie in 2007 and served as president of Retina Australia ACT, supporting others affected by retinal disease.
A memorial service to celebrate Robin Poke's life will be held at the Red Shed on John Cardiff Close in Acton at 4pm on Friday, January 30.
