Australia's men's eight have laid down a marker in their pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal, finishing third in a record-breaking world championships A-final.
Australia's rowers won a sole bronze medal in an underwhelming Paris Olympics campaign, while the national eight - men’s or women’s - have never won Olympic gold.
Australia also notably haven't won an Olympic medal in the men's eight since finishing third at the 2004 Games in Athens.
But an eye-catching performance on the final day of the world championships in Amsterdam has boosted hopes of ending that barren run in the sport's blue riband event.
The Netherlands, Great Britain and Australia all excelled in the world championships A-final, bettering the men's eight world best time of five minutes 18.68 seconds that was set by Germany in 2017.
The event hosts and defending champions won gold in a time of 5:17.75, pipping Great Britain (5:17.81) and Australia (5:18.28).
The Australian team featured Rohan Lavery, Austin Reinehr, Alex Nichol, Jack Robertson, Harry Manton, Fergus Hamilton, Patrick Long, Mitch Salisbury and Nicholas Dunlop.
Robertson and Hamilton, who both competed at Paris 2024, were the only Olympians in the boat.
"I’m so proud of these guys, with where they have come from in the last 12 months," Robertson said.
"We are already halfway through the Olympic cycle. So, of course, the silver lining is that (this bronze medal) is motivating for next year’s Olympic qualification and then for the Olympics."
Hamilton thanked Rowing Australia patron Gina Rinehart, the billionaire who has been tipping money into the sport for more than a decade.
"Thanks to the generosity of Mrs Rinehart, we are able to live and train together full-time," Hamilton said.
"And on our Olympic journey to LA in 2028, that is going to play a huge role in helping us get up those next two steps on the podium."
Australia claimed three silver and two bronze medals at the world championships.
