- An Italian rower was disqualified from the Paralympic Games
- Giacomo Perini used a mobile device during the rowing final
- It meant that Erik Horrie was elevated to the bronze medal.
Australia have added another medal to their Paralympic haul after Erik Horrie controversially claimed bronze in Paris.
Australian rower Horrie crossed the line in fourth place in the men’s PR1 single sculls final but was moved up to the bronze medal position after a rival was found to have cheated.
Italian Giacomo Perini was disqualified after officials deemed he had been using a communication device, such as a phone or walkie-talkie, during the race.
Once race officials confirmed there was a device following an investigation, Perrie was placed last and Horrie benefited from the disqualification.
“There was a situation that occurred,” Horrie explained to Nine.
“World Rowing and Paralympic officials saw it and made the decision (to disqualify Perini) and I was lucky enough to take bronze,” he said.
“That’s all I can say, really. These are the joys of sport. There are rules and, as sportsmen, we respect them.
“I’m really excited to have won bronze. This is my fourth Games and I can say that I have won medals at every Paralympic Games I have attended.”
Erik Horrie has won bronze at the Paralympic Games after a controversial rowing final
The Australian finished fourth in the men’s rowing final but was promoted to bronze.
Italian Giacomo Perini (pictured in 2022) used a mobile device during the race.
Horrie, who won silver in London, Rio and Tokyo, was delighted to add a bronze to his collection.
“Dude, this means a lot,” he said.
‘All the sacrifices my family has made and their support in good and bad times. As with all athletes, there are many bad times with training and injuries.
‘Well, this is for (my wife) Michelle and the kids at home.
“It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain.”