Back-to-back championships for Australia's Men's Fours

Hargreaves along with Alexander Hill, Spencer Turrin and Joshua Hicks held off attacks from both Italy and Great Britain to once again be crowned World Rowing Champions.

In a tight A-Final, the Australian Men’s Four powered out the start and were at 50 strokes per minute to get ahead of their competition.

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Australia crossed the half way point in the lead, with a virtual line forming behind them between the remaining crews.

Italy had a huge push in a bid to close down the Australians, coached by Ian Wright, but the boys in the green and gold were flying.

With Italy fast approaching, along with the finish line, Hill upped the Australian stroke rate to 43 and the World Champions protected their title by 0.25 of a second.

The back-to-back win is the second gold medal victory for the Men’s Fours since 1991.

Hargreaves said it was a good race and the team have stepped up through the regatta. 

“We weren’t really happy with our heat, but we got better in our semi and ultimately in the final,” Hargreaves said.

“I have to say full credit to the other crews who pushed us all the way, but we’re extremely happy to win the World Championships again, it’s been a great year,” he said.

The regatta, which runs from September 9 to 17 features over 900 athletes from 62 nations with Australia entering three para-rowing crews, six men’s crew and six women’s crews.

Other local rural Aussies making the world stage include  Brewarinna’s Emma Fessey who competed in the Women’s 8 taking out bronze. 

Also Walgett’s Jack O’Brien who won the C final and along with Andrew Judge wrapped up their debut World Rowing Championships in the Men’s Pair ranking 13th in the world.