Steve Fairbairn

Steve Fairbairn (25 August 1862 – 16 May 1938) was a rower and an influential rowing coach at Jesus College Boat Club, Cambridge University, Thames Rowing Club and London Rowing Club in the early decades of the 20th century, and founded the prestigious Head of the River Race in 1925.

Fairbairn was born in Toorak,Melbourne, Australia the son of George Fairbairn (1815–1895), an early Victorian pioneer. Fairbairn was educated at Wesley College, Melbourne, and Geelong Grammar School, where he was regarded a good Australian rules footballer and cricketer.

While reading Law at Jesus College, Cambridge, Fairbairn rowed for Cambridge in the Boat Race, in 1882, 1883, 1886 and 1887. He also raced regularly with Jesus College Boat Club, with success in the Cambridge University bumps races and Henley Royal Regatta, where they won the Grand Challenge Cup. He also won the hammer throwing and putting the weight at the Freshmen's sports. He later rowed with Thames Rowing Club in London.