Paris: Power duo Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager have won Australia’s first ever Paralympic gold medal for rowing, while Erik Horrie has picked up bronze after an Italian opponent was disqualified for cheating.
The wins make it Australia’s most successful year in para-rowing, having never won more than two medals at a Paralympic Games previously.
Erik Horrie (right) won bronze after a controversial finish in the Pr1 men’s single scullsCredit: Getty Images.
Ayers and Altschwager won in seven minutes, 26.74 seconds, just under two seconds faster than the Brits.
The pair was favourite to win the mixed double sculls final (PR3) after setting a world record last year and winning the world championships. It’s a massive achievement for a team who only paired up in 2023.
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Horrie, a Paralympic veteran with three silver medals to his name, won bronze in the men’s single sculls (PR1) after he protested against Italian rower Giacomo Perini, who crossed the finish line second. He was found to be using communications equipment during the race.
More to come.
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Source Agencies
