Australia’s Erik Horrie Wins Bronze in Paralympic Rowing After Disqualification Drama

Australian Paralympian Erik Horrie recently won a bronze medal in the men’s PR1 single sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Horrie initially finished fourth in the race, but he was elevated to third place after Italian competitor Giacomo Perini was disqualified for having a communication device, specifically a mobile phone, in his boat during the race. This incident led to a medal upgrade for Horrie, who described the situation as a result of strict adherence to rules in sports, emphasizing the importance of following regulations during competitions​ ParaAUS and 7NEWS

Australia added another medal to its Paralympic Games tally in Paris, with rower Erik Horrie clinching bronze in a dramatic turn of events. Horrie initially finished fourth in the men’s PR1 single sculls final, but his position was elevated after a rival competitor, Italian Giacomo Perini, was disqualified for using an unauthorized communication device during the race.

After lodging a protest, Erik Horrie has been elevated to the bronze medal after his PR1 men’s single sculls final!

Oh yes! 💚💛

Live blog: https://t.co/8J6UllRRxX#Paralympics pic.twitter.com/9fPJtBNIv0

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) September 1, 2024

The controversy unfolded when officials discovered that Perini had left a device, suspected to be either a phone or a walkie-talkie, in his boat. Following an investigation, race officials confirmed the presence of the device, leading to Perini’s disqualification and placing him last in the event. As a result, Horrie moved up to claim the bronze medal.

“There was a situation that happened,” Horrie explained. “World Rowing and Paralympics officials saw it and then made the decision [to disqualify Perini], and I was lucky enough to come away with the bronze. That’s all I can say really. It’s the joys of sport. There are rules, and as athletes, we stick to them.”

Horrie, who previously secured silver medals in London, Rio, and Tokyo, expressed his excitement over adding a bronze to his collection. “Mate, this means so much,” he said. “All the sacrifices my family have made, putting up with me in the good times and the bad times. This is for [my wife] Michelle and the kids back home. It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain.”

Italy’s rowing federation later issued a statement clarifying the situation. According to their statement, Perini had unintentionally left his phone in the boat before the race, leading to his violation of race regulations. The statement read: “After a historic and highly competitive competition, ending with an exciting third place and a bronze medal, while everyone was celebrating the achievement, the Jury excluded the athlete from the Paralympic podium of the PR1 single for this reason: ‘In the final Men’s singles PR1, the Italian athlete was found using communication equipment during the race, in violation of rule 28 and Appendix R2, Bye-Law of rule 28. Consequently, the crew was excluded from the event and is classified last.’”

💚The Rowsellas PR1 Men’s Single Sculls, coached by Chad King, have completed their #Paris2024 journey finishing third to claim the Bronze medal💛

Erik Horrie OAM (@sydneyrowingclub)#AllezRowsellas | #ImagineWhatWeCanDo | @AUSParalympics pic.twitter.com/LCm3B9zgtS

— RowingAust (@RowingAust) September 1, 2024

The Italian Federation has indicated it will file an official appeal, providing records from Perini’s phone to support their case that the device was forgotten in the boat unintentionally.

Despite the unexpected circumstances leading to his medal, Horrie remains proud of his achievement and the recognition of his consistent performance across four Paralympic Games.

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This victory marks Horrie’s continued success in Paralympic rowing, adding to his impressive career that includes multiple medals from previous Paralympic Games. The Australian team had a strong showing at the event, with other athletes like Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager winning gold in the PR3 mixed double sculls, making it a historic day for Australian rowing at the Paralympics​ ParaAUS  and 7NEWS

Key Points:

i. Erik Horrie Wins Bronze: Australian rower Erik Horrie was awarded a bronze medal after finishing fourth due to the disqualification of an opponent.

ii. Controversial Disqualification: Italian rower Giacomo Perini was disqualified for having a phone in his boat, violating race rules.

iii. Horrie’s Reaction: Horrie expressed gratitude and pride in securing a medal, dedicating it to his family and acknowledging the sacrifices they’ve made.

iv. Italian Appeal: Italy’s rowing federation plans to appeal the decision, claiming the device was left in the boat unintentionally.

v. Paralympic Legacy: This marks Horrie’s fourth consecutive Paralympic Games with a medal, adding a bronze to his previous silver medals.

Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News