Meet the Rowsellas as they prepare to take on the world in Paris

The Rowsellas will have three boats in the water at the Paris Paralympic regatta as the PR1 Men's Single Scull, PR3 Mixed Double Scull and PR3 Mixed Coxed Four prepare to don the green and gold across three days of racing in France. 

Para rowing events will take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, a premier venue just outside Paris. The regatta is scheduled from August 30 to September 1, featuring a series of heats, repechages and finals that will determine the medallists in each event.  

The PR1 classification is for athletes with significant physical impairments, where rowers primarily use their arms and shoulders to propel the boat, as they have minimal use of their torso and legs.  

The PR3 classification is for athletes with more functional ability, including those with physical impairments or vision impairments. PR3 rowers can use their arms, torso and legs, allowing them to row with a sliding seat. 

MEET THE CREWS 

PR1 MEN’S SINGLE SCULLS – Erik Horrie OAM (Sydney Rowing Club) 

Erik Horrie OAM is a seasoned athlete from Sydney Rowing Club poised to compete in his fourth Games in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls, with the assistance of long-time coach Chad King.  

Horrie, who transitioned from wheelchair basketball to rowing in 2011, has become a formidable force in the PR1 Men's Single Sculls.  

His Para rowing journey includes five consecutive World Rowing Championship titles and three Paralympic Silver Medals. Erik will be looking to go one medal better in Paris 2024.  

ENTRIES: AUS, CAN, FRA, GER, GBR, ISR, ITA, JPN, ESP, TUN, UKR 

SCHEDULE (all times are AEST): 

August 30 18:10 – Heats 

August 31 18:10 – Repechages

September 1 17:50 – Final B 

September 1 19:30 – Final A 

PR3 MIXED DOUBLE SCULLS – Nikki Ayers (Capital Lakes Rowing Club), Jed Altschwager (Torrens Rowing Club) 

All eyes are on the dynamic duo of Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager, who are the outright favourites to clinch the Gold Medal in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls in Paris. 

After a stellar performance at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Belgrade, where they not only won Gold but also set a new world-best time, the duo, coached by Chad King and Chrisitine McLaren, have established themselves as the team to beat.  

Their journey to Paris has been marked by incredible determination and synergy, making them a formidable force on the international stage.  

With their recent success, Ayers and Altschwager are hoping to make history in Paris and their family, friends and fans will be eagerly watching as they aim to secure the top spot on the podium. 

ENTRIES: AUS, BRA, EGY, FRA, GER, GBR, IND, MEX, THA, UKR, USA 

SCHEDULE (all times are AEST): 

August 30 19:30 – Heats 

August 31 19:10 – Repechages 

September 1 18:30 – Final B 

September 1 20:10 – Final A 

PR3 MIXED COXED FOUR – Susannah Lutze (Banks Rowing Club), Alexandra Viney (Mercantile Rowing Club), Tobiah Goffsassen (University of Queensland Boat Club), Thomas Birtwhistle (UTS Haberfield Rowing Club), Hannah Cowap - Coxswain (Sydney Rowing Club) 

The PR3 Mixed Coxed Four, coached by James Loveday, has the hard work in the bank ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. 

Alexandra Viney overcame a life-altering car accident to return to rowing, leading the crew with her resilience and experience.  

Susannah Lutze, a rising star, has defied her congenital condition to achieve international success, bringing determination to the boat.  

Thomas Birtwhistle’s remarkable comeback story adds strength to the crew, while Tobiah Goffsassen, the youngest member, drives the team forward with youthful energy. 

Hannah Cowap's tactical expertise as coxswain rounds out this formidable lineup. 

This crew has already proven themselves on the world stage and is a strong contender in Paris.  

ENTRIES: AUS, BRA, FRA, GER, GBR, ITA, CHN, KOR, ESP, USA 

SCHEDULE (all times are AEST): 

August 30 20:10 – Heats 

August 31 19:50 – Repechages 

September 1 18:50 – Final B 

September 1 20:30 – Final A 

Catch all the action live and free on Nine's Wide World of Sports and follow along on our socials to stay up-to-date with everything #Rowsellas. 

The full Para-Rowing schedule and results can be found here: Paris 2024 Para Rowing