Luke Hickling, a rising junior at Northeastern University, secured a bronze medal with the New Zealand men's eight at the 2026 U23 World Rowing Championships in Duisburg, Germany. Competing in the bow seat, he helped the crew advance to the A Final with a strong performance in the heats, finishing second to Great Britain. During the final race, New Zealand showcased its closing speed, overtaking Australia in the final stretch to claim bronze while the USA took silver.

By the Numbers
  • New Zealand finished the A Final in 5:34.09, edging out Australia for bronze.
  • The USA clocked in at 5:32.98, securing silver.
  • Hickling's time in the heats was 5:51.26, second only to Great Britain's 5:48.54.
Yes, But

Though Hickling’s performance was commendable, the British crew, aiming for a record seventh consecutive title, faced stiff competition from both the USA and New Zealand, highlighting the rising competitiveness in U23 rowing events.

State of Play
  • This victory marks the fourth consecutive year that Northeastern has had a representative on New Zealand's U23 team.
  • Hickling's presence emphasizes Northeastern's strong performance in men's rowing, having recently secured a bronze at the Eastern Sprints.
What's Next

Hickling is expected to continue building on his success in collegiate rowing as he prepares for his upcoming junior year and aims to further contribute to Northeastern's rowing program, potentially aiming for national competitions.

Bottom Line

Hickling's bronze win not only adds to his personal achievements but also underscores the growing strength of both New Zealand's and Northeastern's rowing programs on the international stage.