Italian rower Giacomo Perini had a rather high-tech hiccup at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, leading to his disqualification and the loss of his bronze medal. Turns out, Perini, 28, had a mobile phone on his boat during the PR1 men’s single sculls final—a category for athletes using only their arms and shoulders—but his celebration was cut short when World Rowing announced his disqualification. Who knew the sport’s rules were so in the 20th century?
World Rowing issued a statement explaining that Perini was found with communication equipment during the race, violating rule 28 and Appendix R2, Bye-Law of rule 28. Perini, however, argued that the phone was an oversight and had not been used to communicate. He claimed the phone, which was in a small bag along with a water bottle, had not been used during the race.
“They didn’t ‘find’ me using the phone because I never used it on the boat,” Perini told ANSA. “I handed the phone over to the jury to show that the last call was from the night before, with my psychologist. The rules state that communication with the crew from outside the boat using electronic equipment is prohibited, but they do not say you cannot bring a phone.”
The rule in question specifies: “No communication with the crew is permitted from outside the boat using electric or electronic equipment.”
The Italian Rowing Federation filed an appeal which was rejected and said they were preparing to appeal the decision to the World Rowing Executive Board.
Great Britain’s Benjamin Pritchard won gold in the PR1 men’s single sculls and Ukraine’s Roman Polianskyi taking silver. Erik Horrie of Australia was promoted from fourth place to take bronze.
So, if you’re planning to row for a medal, remember: the only thing you should be calling is your next stroke.
