Rowing Australia acknowledges the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the appeal related to the Men's PR1 Single Sculls final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
This ruling overturns the on-venue decision made by World Rowing, which resulted in the disqualification of Italian athlete Giacomo Perini which resulted in Erik Horrie OAM being promoted to third.
Perini finished third in the event but was disqualified after he was deemed to have breached the rules by having a mobile phone in his boat. Horrie finished fourth and was elevated to third as a result.
The World Rowing statement regarding the decision read: “In the final of the PR1 M1x, the ITA PR1 MRX was found to be using communications equipment during the race, in breach of Rule 28 and Appendix R2, Bye-Law to Rule 28. As a result, the crew has been excluded from the event and will be ranked last.”
The CAS decision instructs WR to reinstate Perini to third and Erik Horrie OAM to fourth.
Rowing Australia is in close communication with World Rowing to fully understand the basis of the CAS decision. We will work closely with the international federation and Paralympics Australia to review the findings and determine the appropriate next course of action.
Erik is a four-time Paralympian, a five-time World Champion, and a universally respected leader within the Australian and international rowing communities. We are incredibly proud of his performance in Paris and his exemplary conduct throughout this entire challenging process.
Rowing Australia will continue to provide full and unwavering support to Erik, his family and his support team.
There will be no further comment at this time.