Despite having a compressed time frame compared to the other Australian boats, which were put together in April, Hicks and his boat were able to earn a silver for Australia at the championships in July.

Hicks valued both the experience of rowing for the national team and the medal he brought home with him.

“The Aussie team was great—I just got to hang out with a bunch of other Aussies who love the sport that I love,” Hicks says. “Some people get choked up about representing their country—and don’t get me wrong, it is an honor and privilege and I’m humbled to represent Australia—but what it really boils down to is out-rowing the competition.”

Mike DiSanto ’12, a former teammate now with the American squad, says Hicks is prepared for the next level of competition—the Australian national team.

“To make that jump, you have to commit yourself every day, and Josh will be able to do that,” DiSanto says. “At the same time, you have to make sure you’re working well in the system, but Josh is an extremely likeable guy, so he’ll be fine.”

“I’m just excited to see the [Australian] team get better, but this is a U-23 rower speaking,” Hicks adds. “If I’m lucky enough to not even make the team, but just push the guys who are on the team to be better—then that’ll be fantastic for me, and my rowing goals will have been achieved.”