Fernand Steenacker won his first Belgian title in 1950, as a last minute substitute in the quad sculls of Oostende. In a loaned boat, they won the championship and qualified for the European Championships, although Steenacker was again a substitute there. He then switched to the double sculls, rowing with his brother, Henri Steenacker. The two earned national titles 1954-1956. In both 1955 and 1956, they contested the final of the European Championships, but placed outside of the medals both times: fourth in 1955, fifth in 1956. The brothers also competed in Melbourne, but in the small eight-boat field, the two finished last in both the heats and the rêpechages. As Henri retired, Fernand continued in different configurations, and added two more Belgian titles: coxed pairs (1958) and eights (1959).
Belgium