Erik Horrie – 2014 World Rowing Para-rower of the Year

During his stay, Horrie attended the World Rowing Awards Gala Dinner where he was presented with the 2014 World Rowing Para-Rowing of the Year medal.

In the past three years, Horrie earned two world titles, one Paralympic silver and set the World Best Time in the para men’s single sculls (ASM1x)with the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio his current aim. “I think Rio is the main event,” he says. “All the World Rowing Championships are just stepping stones along the way.”

And what were his impressions of Rio? Laughing about the sunburn he got during his stay, the Paralympic rower replied: “Coming to Rio has been an unbelievable experience, but the sun is quite harsh.”

After a head-on car accident in which he lost the use of his legs, Horrie first became involved in wheelchair basketball before making the switch to rowing. “Wheelchair basketball and rowing are two worlds apart,” he says. “In basketball, you have other players – they substitute in and take over for you. In rowing, there is no one else to jump in the boat and take over when you’re tired. I wanted that challenge.”

Reflecting on his rowing achievements, he admits, “I am not the easiest athlete to coach. I’m stuck in my ways. If it weren’t for my coach Jason Baker, I wouldn’t have done what I have done. He pushes the boundaries and gets me to where I am.”

World Rowing interviewed Horrie to learn a bit more about what makes the 2014 Para-rower of the Year tick.

World Rowing: What factors have played a role in your success this year?
Eric Horrie: My coach and I working closely on improving my technique.

WR: What did you want to be when you were ten years old?
EH: I wanted to be a professional road cyclist and compete in the Tour de France.

WR: Where are you keeping your World Rowing Award?
EH: In a glass display cabinet in my house.

WR: What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
EH: Getting up each morning knowing it’s a step closer to reaching my goals.

WR: What can we find in your refrigerator?
EH: Fruit, veggies, yoghurt, milk and kids left-over dinner.

WR: In a breaking news story about you, what would the title be?
EH: Aussie defies the odds!

WR: If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
EH: Cheetah – sees what it wants and goes for it.

WR: If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?
EH: Muhammad Ali – Because he is a role model.

WR: What is one of your most beneficial strengths and why?
EH: Determination. I never give up, I have a goal and I do everything I can to reach it.   

WR: What do you do to take your mind off of rowing?
EH: Spend time with my family.

WR: What are your goals for the coming ten years?
EH: To keep performing the way I have been and to work with under privileged children/youth and to become a youth worker.

More about Erik Horrie
All-time results here. 
Video profile (from June 2012) http://www.worldrowing.com/photos-videos/videos/erik-horrie-aus
2014 World Rowing Championships, final para men’s single sculls (ASM1x)