James Tomkins receives the Thomas Keller medal

James Tomkins, Australia’s rowing legend and stroke of the famous Oarsome Foursome was presented today with the 2010 Thomas Keller Medal on the victory ceremony pontoon at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand.

The 18-carat gold Medal, which is rowing's highest distinction, was presented to Tomkins on behalf of the Keller Family by Denis Oswald, President of FISA.

Tomkins was a member of Australia’s legendary Oarsome Foursome, the coxless four which took two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996 and World Champion titles in 1990 and 1991. Tomkins is the second member of this crew to receive this prestigious award after Mike McKay who was awarded the medal in 2007. Australian Peter Antonie also received the Medal back in 2003 for his achievements.

Tomkins’ international career spanned over 23 years, from 1985 to 2008. His first major victory was at the 1986 World Championships when he won the eight final with Australia. On this occasion, the late FISA President Thomas Keller presented him with his first medal. Keller had previously presented Tomkins with his first national title (in the Junior Eight) at the Australian National Championships in 1984 at Lake Barrington where Keller was visiting.

Tomkins also rowed in the coxless pair with Drew Ginn, and became Olympic Champion in Athens in 2004 as well as World Champion in that event in 1999 and 2003, beating the legendary British pair James Cracknell and Matthew Pinsent in Milan.

He is the only male rower to have won gold in every sweep rowing event on the Olympic programme.

"It’s an incredible honour, said Tomkins. And it’s fantastic to receive it here in New Zealand. When you have a look at all the prestigious names on the list, you understand what a great honour it is."

For more information on James Tomkins
2010 Thomas Keller Medal Announcement
James Tomkins (AUS) – Profile
James Tomkins (AUS) – Biography

About the Thomas Keller Medal
The Thomas Keller Medal is the highest distinction in the sport of rowing. It is awarded to recognise an exceptional international rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship and legendary aspect.
The award was named after the late President of FISA, Thomas Keller (Thomi). Born in 1924, Keller was elected President of FISA in 1958, at the age of 34 and was then the youngest-ever president of an international sports federation.
Following the 1988 Olympics, Thomi Keller spontaneously awarded the FISA Medal of Honour to Peter-Michael Kolbe and Pertti Karppinen to commemorate one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport and recognising their exceptional talent and sportsmanship. This shaped the idea of the Thomas Keller Medal which was initiated by the Keller family following Thomi's passing in 1989 and was first awarded to the great Norwegian oarsman Alf Hansen in 1990.
Each year, the winner is carefully selected by the Thomas Keller Medal committee, after a broad international nomination process, to ensure that the true values in which Thomas Keller so strongly believed are represented in this award.
A full list of previous Thomas Keller Medallists can be viewed here.