Nicholas Purnell is an Australian representative and dual Olympian rower. He is a national champion, who has competed at seven world championships and in the men's eight event at the 2012 London and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The men's eight competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London took place at Dorney Lake which, for the purposes of the Games venue, was officially termed Eton Dorney. It was held from 28 July to 1 August. There were 8 boats from 8 nations. The event was won by Germany, the nation's first victory as "Germany". The German team beat the defending champions Canada, who took silver. Great Britain also slipped one place from their 2008 silver, taking bronze this time.