Loading
“You’re not allowed communication like that,” he said.
“If you’re breaking the rules, you shouldn’t be on the podium.”
Pritchard said receiving communication on the whereabouts of opponents can give athletes in his classification an advantage.
“With our disabilities, we can’t look around. I can’t turn behind me,” he said.
“But I don’t know why you would try something like that in the Paralympic final.”
Horrie was fervently speaking to officials as soon as the race ended. He was reluctant to talk in detail about what unfolded, explaining that he and Perini were friends off the water.
Erik Horrie on the boat after his final.Credit: Paralympics Australia
“I was asked about it, and I gave an answer, and then they made their decisions from what they’ve seen, and then what I said to them,” he said.
“The officials made the decision. It wasn’t my decision and I’ve come away with the bronze.”
Horrie said that as athletes, they had to follow the rules.
“We get told that we’re allowed a StrokeCoach (a stroke measuring device) in our boat and a water bottle and a towel, and that’s pretty much it, nothing else,” he said.
Horrie said it felt “unbelievable” to help make history on Australia’s best day of Paralympic rowing, particularly at the age of 44. He said he hoped to encourage others to chase their dreams.
“To come away with a medal, I’m very honoured and very privileged,” he said.
“A lot of people didn’t think I’d ever get to this level ... It’s about what’s inside your heart and believing in yourself.”
Horrie said he wasn’t hanging up his blades any time soon, but that he had yet to consider with his family whether he would compete at the next Paralympic Games.
“They’re the ones that actually sacrifice a lot,” he said. “I’ve missed two of my kids’ birthdays while we’ve been away.”
For the latest results, news and analysis from the Paris Paralympics, sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.