Andrew Dollman Cooper OAM

Andrew Cooper was one quarter of the Oarsome Foursome who thrilled Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics with the foursome’s convincing gold medal victory. Andrew launched his international rowing career in 1986 at the world championships, and followed with the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. At both competitions he was a member of the gold medal winning men’s eight crews.

In the 1988 Seoul Olympics Andrew represented Australia as a member of the eights’ team which was placed fifth in the final.

Progressing in his rowing career, Andrew moved his focus from eights to fours, where he joined James Tomkins, Mike McKay and Nick Green.

In 1992 the Oarsome Foursome had already forged its remarkable reputation, being held in the same calibre as some of Australia’s greatest in sporting history.

Armed with two world titles and an unbeaten record the Oarsome Foursome entered the Barcelona Olympics as one of Australia’s most likely gold medal winning prospects – and they did not disappoint.

After the team’s success in Barcelona, Andrew took time off but returned to compete in his last world championships in 1995 before retiring. In honour of his dedication and commitment to their continued success Andrew’s team mates named the boat that brought a gold at the Atlanta Olympics – the ‘Andrew Cooper’.

After his retirement from rowing Andrew  followed his other great sporting passion for Australian Rules

Football, displaying his talents as a member of the Old Brighton Grammarians Football Club.

In 1987, Andrew was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to rowing.