Vale - Harald Jahrling

Rowing NSW mourns the death of Harald Jahrling who passed away last week, aged 68 years.  

Jahrling was a 2 time Olympic Gold Medallist in the Men’s Coxed Pair (Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980).  Following his retirement, he moved into coaching and with a Sports Science background he had great success.  With the reunification of Germany in 1989, a number of East German coaches sought work elsewhere and Jahrling moved to Australia to take up the role of State Coaching Director with the NSW Rowing Association in 1990.

Jon Lanning, NSWRA President, wrote in the 1990-1991 Annual Report that, “Harald’s insight and reading of the standard of elite rowing in the State became apparent as soon as he wrote his first training programme and conducted the first of what were to become frequent training camps.”

“Through his knowledge and ability to demonstrate what was required of athletes and coaches alike, Harald’s methods quickly gained wide acceptance.  Those athletes and coaches who were unwilling to accept these new methods were left with no alternative but to look elsewhere.  The new brand of competitiveness required a level of commitment which could not be questioned.  Linked with the introduction of changes to the elite coaching programme was the recognition by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing of the need to give support to elite sport so that the States sporting profile was not adversely affected by the emergence of specialist sports institutes in other states.”

“Through the NSW Academy of Sport significant financial support was provided for elite training and coaching costs as well as specialised physiological testing at the Cumberland College.  This backing provided resources which in the past would have been beyond either the Association or participating clubs abilities to fund.”

At one point with Jahrling having moved to the NSW Institute of Sport as Head Coach, NSWIS boasted 4 full time professional coaches. His ability to attract financial backing was extraordinary and funding decreased after his departure.   

Jahrling coached Australian crews at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, with the Silver medal of Weightman and Scott in the Men’s Pair and Bronze medal of Lee and Joyce in the Women’s Lightweight Double Scull as two of the highlights.  He also coached the Australian Women’s Eight in 2004. 

Jahrling continued his coaching career in Ireland and Belgium, before returning to Australia as a consultant to Rowing Australia.  He was also a consultant to Sydney University Boat Club where he acted as a mentor to current National Training Centre coach Mark Prater. 

His imposing frame and presence meant that he was remembered by all who met him and those that coached alongside of him learned plenty from his sports science background.  He leaves behind 4 children (2 daughters in Germany and 2 sons in Australia and New Zealand – Rob Jahrling, triple Olympian, 1996 & 2000 in the Men’s Eight and 2004 in the Men’s Four).