Erik Horrie OAM PLY

QLD | Sydney Rowing Club

Erik Horrie OAM PLY is Australia’s most decorated para-rower and a five-time World Champion whose journey from adversity to elite sport has inspired people across the globe. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Erik faced significant challenges from an early age and a life-changing car accident in 2001 that left him a paraplegic. But Erik’s resolve and athleticism would see him not only overcome those setbacks, but thrive.

Initially, Erik excelled as a 4-point wheelchair basketball player, competing in Australia’s National Wheelchair Basketball League with the Brisbane Spinning Bullets and representing Australia at major events like the 2009 IBWF AOZ Oceania Championship and the 2009 Rollers World Challenge.

In 2011, he switched to para-rowing, and made an immediate impact. That same year, he won Gold at both the New South Wales State and Australian Rowing Championships and claimed Bronze at the World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia. Just one year later, he won silver at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the PR1 (then ASM1x) Men’s Single Sculls.

Since then, Erik has continued to raise the bar. He won five consecutive World Rowing Championship titles from 2013 to 2018 in the PR1 Men's Single Sculls and broke the World Best Time twice, first in 2017, then again in 2018. He added further silver medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a Bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Incredibly, Erik has won the PR1 Men’s Single Scull at every Australian Rowing Championships from 2011 through to 2025, dominating the event for over a decade. He has been a National Training Centre (NTC) scholar for 14 years and remains affiliated with Sydney Rowing Club.

Known affectionately as “Egg” or “Big Dog” within the team, Erik brings intensity, humility, and humour to every session. His approach to rowing is grounded in the fundamentals: "Relax and listen”, advice he credits as key to his technical mastery.

Beyond the water, Erik is committed to community impact. He studied youth work with the goal of helping underprivileged children find pathways through adversity, drawing on his own life experiences to support others. He lives with his wife Michelle and their three children and remains a passionate fan of NRL, motorsport, hiking, and even tap dancing.

Now in his 40s, Erik continues to train and race at the highest level, driven by his 2025 goals: Consistency, performance to his best ability, and enjoying the process. With unmatched longevity, heart, and hardware, Erik Horrie stands as a true legend of Australian sport, and one of the finest para-athletes the world has ever seen.

Erik is currently the Australian PR1 Men's Single Sculls. 

Last updated May 19, 2025.