(source – espn.in)
Australia had its most successful day yet at the Paris Paralympics, with Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager leading the medal tally by winning rowing gold in the PR3 mixed double sculls. The duo outpaced Great Britain to secure Australia’s first-ever rowing gold, one of 10 medals earned on Sunday in Paris. Their victory at Vaires-sur-Marne was further highlighted by Erik Horrie, who initially finished fourth but was later awarded bronze in the men’s PR1 single sculls after Italian rower Giacomo Perini, who had placed third, was disqualified for allegedly having a “communication device”—believed to be a mobile phone—in his boat during the race.
World Rowing stated that Perini “was found to be using communication equipment during the race,” leading to his exclusion and ranking him last in the event. The Italian Rowing Federation appealed the decision, which was rejected, and they are now considering further action with the World Rowing Executive Board.
Ayers and Altschwager Secure Historic Rowing Gold Amidst a Day of Triumph Strong
Perini reportedly forgot to remove his phone from a bag in his boat before the race. Paris 2024 rules prohibit the use of communication devices during competition.
“There was a situation that happened. World Rowing and Paralympics officials saw it and then made the decision [to disqualify Perini], and I was lucky enough to come away with the bronze,” Horrie told Nine.
Australia’s strong performance in rowing was complemented by successes across other sports, including five medals in swimming at La Défense Arena. Among the winners was Ahmed Kelly, who was initially disqualified in his heat due to concerns over his stroke technique but was reinstated after an appeal and went on to claim silver in the men’s 150m medley SM3. Bronze medals were also secured by Mali Lovell in the women’s T36 200m and Dayna Crees in the women’s F34 javelin at Stade de France. Additionally, the team sprint trio of Gordon Allan, Korey Boddington, and Alistair Donohoe finished third at the velodrome.
Performances Across Sports: Swimming, Athletics, and Boccia Add to Australia’s Medal Count
Elsewhere, boccia players Dan Michel and Jamieson Leeson guaranteed at least silver after advancing to their respective singles gold medal matches.
However, the standout performance of the day came from Ayers and Altschwager, who finished with a time of 7 minutes and 26 seconds to claim gold. Altschwager lost his left leg in a work accident, while Ayers underwent an amputation after complications from a rugby union injury.
“It’s painful right now, but it was completely worth it,” Ayers said. “This [medal] is a symbol of hope and never giving up on your dreams. To every person out there with a disability—male, female, everyone—never give up, keep striving for your dreams, and they will come true.”
In swimming, Kelly was overjoyed to win silver after narrowly escaping disqualification. It had been claimed that Iraq-born Kelly, who has no legs and no arms below the elbow, used a butterfly stroke instead of freestyle in the final leg of the race.
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