Rowing WA Mourns the passing of Max Gamble

Vale Max Gamble

Rowing WA mourns the passing of Max Gamble, a proud West Australian rower and Olympian, who died on 11 May 2026.

Born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia on 8 January 1939, Max’s rowing talent came quickly to the fore as a strapping 17 year old, starting his rowing in 1956/57 for the Maylands Rowing Club (now Perth Rowing Club). His strength and work ethic as a Maiden Rower later caught the eye of Ken Grant who selected him to join the Western Australian senior men’s eight in 1960. That crew went on later that year to win the King’s Cup at the Interstate Regatta in Launceston Tasmania in world record time, a milestone achievement to this day for WA rowing, and the entire boat was selected to represent Australia at the Rome 1960 Olympic Games, where Max raced in the five seat.

Following the 1960 Olympic Games Max continued his rowing career, representing The West Australian Rowing Club in 1961 and 1962 and rowing competitively into the late 1980’s including the Australian Masters Rowing Championships. Pan Pacific Rowing Championships, World Masters and US Masters .

Outside rowing, Max built his working life in Western Australia, balancing elite sport with his career as a highly talented mechanic, rowing coaching at Guildford Grammar School, family and community commitments. He was known as someone who valued people, stayed connected to his roots, and carried the lessons of sport into everyday life.

Max was part of a generation that helped establish Western Australia’s reputation nationally and internationally. His contribution was not measured only by medals or selection, but by the example he set in representing his state and country with quiet pride.

Rowing WA extends its sincere condolences to Max’s family, wife Cecilie and children Scott and Jennie and grandchildren together with his wide circle of friends who knew, loved and rowed with him. His legacy will remain part of Western Australian rowing history.

A life well lived.

Rest in peace, Max

1960 Olympic crew with Max in five seat (5th from bow)