Rockhampton Nursing student claims gold in coastal rowing
First-year CQUniversity Nursing student Calli McRae is already making waves, not just in the classroom but on the coastal rowing course.
Supported through CQUniversity’s flexible processes to for elite sportspeople and performers to achieve their education and performance goals, the Rockhampton local is proof that academic ambition and elite sport can thrive side by side.
“I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare. Caring for people motivates me and nursing is such a broad profession as it can take you anywhere,” Calli said.
“CQU is close to home and the support has been amazing. It’s a place where I can grow as a future nurse and as an athlete.”
After beginning both her Bachelor of Nursing and rowing career in early 2025, Calli has since achieved a national title and selection for the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints Championships in Barbados in November.
At only 18, she won gold in the U21 mixed double and placed fourth in the U21 single scull.
“Competing internationally was incredible,” she said.
“Being surrounded by athletes from around the world was inspiring and I learned so much. It’s the kind of opportunity you take with both hands.”
Despite a demanding competition and training schedule, Calli said her first term of nursing has been incredibly rewarding and has strengthened her commitment to the profession.
Registered as an elite athlete student with CQUniversity, Calli also receives formal academic flexibility, a key part of CQU’s commitment to enabling athletes to pursue education alongside competition.
Recently, CQUniversity became a member of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Elite Sport Education Network, recognising its supportive approach to students who balance elite competition with study.
“I learned good time-management skills through sport in high school and that has helped me now. Planning ahead allows me to stay on top of study while keeping my focus on rowing when I need to.
“Meeting new friends who share the same passion for nursing has been one of the best parts,” Calli said.
“A highlight is getting on campus for residentials school where we could get hands-on and practice nursing skills for the first time.”
With coastal rowing preparing for its first Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Calli said she’s excited for the possibilities ahead.
“As I am still new to the sport, the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane is my goal,” she said.
“I plan to keep focused on my studies and training over the next few years.”
CQUniversity is a leading university in SPORT (Sport and exercise, Physical activity, Occupational and Rehabilitation Therapies), and its SPORT Strategy 2025-2028 commits to collaboration with grassroots, government and industry partners for high performance and community engagement outcomes.
Learn more at the CQUniversity SPORT website.
