Erik Horrie OAM

NSW | Sydney Rowing Club

Erik Horrie OAM is a distinguished Australian Paralympian known for his remarkable achievements in both wheelchair basketball and rowing. Originally from New Zealand, Erik's life took a challenging turn at the age of seven when he was placed in foster care due to domestic violence. In 2001, a motor vehicle accident left him a paraplegic, but this did not deter him from pursuing excellence in sports.

Erik initially made his mark as a wheelchair basketball player, playing as a 4-point player in Australia’s National Wheelchair Basketball League with the Brisbane Spinning Bullets. He represented Australia in various international competitions, including the 2009 IBWF AOZ Oceania Championship and the 2009 Rollers World Challenge.

In 2011, Erik transitioned to rowing, where he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. His switch to the sport led to immediate success, winning the New South Wales State Rowing Championships and the National Rowing Championships in Adelaide in the same year. Erik’s dedication and skill propelled him to the international stage, where he earned silver medals in the Men's Single Sculls (ASM1x) at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Paralympics.

Erik’s crowning achievements, however, came in the form of five consecutive World Rowing Championship titles from 2013 to 2018, where he dominated the PR1 Men's Single Scull event. His performances in 2017 and 2018 set new world records, solidifying his status as one of the greatest in the sport. Despite facing setbacks, including injuries and a challenging 2022 season, Erik’s resilience and determination remain inspirational.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Erik is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Studying youth work, he aims to use his experiences to support underprivileged children, offering them hope and guidance through the challenges they face. Erik resides in Penrith, New South Wales, with his wife Michelle and their three children, continuing to inspire through his remarkable journey and contributions to Paralympic sports. Selected for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Erik is set to compete in his fourth Games, further adding to his legacy as an elite athlete.