While many eagerly anticipate their 40th birthday, Australian Olympic rower Samuel Loch has a different perspective on the milestone. As he approaches the big day, Loch’s stance on birthdays has garnered attention. The two-time bronze medalist at the World Rowing Championships previously expressed a somewhat unconventional belief that birthdays were primarily for "women and children," suggesting that simply marking another year of life wasn't inherently cause for celebration.
Loch, who competed for Australia in the men's eight crew at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, clarified his viewpoint on Instagram after a fan inquired about his birthday plans. He acknowledged that his wife, Frances Abbott (daughter of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott), had offered a compelling counterpoint: birthdays provide an opportunity for loved ones to express their appreciation. This perspective, Loch admitted, softened his stance somewhat.
Despite his initial reservations about birthday festivities, Loch admitted a certain appeal to turning 40, citing his preference for "round numbers." Beyond his Olympic appearances, Loch's rowing achievements include bronze medals at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships, a second-place finish at the 2015 World Indoor Rowing Championships, and setting multiple indoor rowing world records in 2016 and 2017.
