Italian Rower Giacomo Perini Disqualified from Paris 2024
In a shocking turn of events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Italian rower Giacomo Perini has been disqualified and stripped of his bronze medal after officials found a mobile phone on his boat during the race. Perini, who finished third in the PR1 men’s single sculls final—a category for athletes using only their arms and shoulders to row—maintains that the presence of the phone was an oversight and that he never used it to communicate.
Disqualification announcement
World Rowing announced the disqualification late on Sunday, citing a violation of their strict communication rules. “In the final of the PR1 men’s singles, the Italian athlete was found to be using communications equipment during the race, in violation of rule 28 and Appendix R2, Bye-Law of rule 28,” the organization stated.
Perini’s defense
Perini, 28, expressed his frustration, insisting that he did not breach the rule intentionally. “They didn’t ‘find’ me simply because I never used the mobile phone on the boat,” Perini told ANSA. “I gave the phone to the jury so that they could see that the last call was from the night before, with the psychologist.”
Perini further clarified that the phone was left in a small bag on the boat, which also contained a bottle of water. “The rules do not say that you cannot bring the phone, but that you cannot communicate,” he added.
Rule interpretation and appeal
The rule in question explicitly states, “no communication with the crew is permitted from outside the boat using electric or electronic equipment.” This interpretation has been a point of contention, as Perini argues that possession of the phone should not equate to using it for communication.
The Italian Rowing Federation quickly filed an appeal against the disqualification, but it was rejected. They have since announced plans to escalate the matter to the World Rowing Executive Board.
Medal reallocation
Following Perini’s disqualification, Erik Horrie of Australia has been promoted from fourth place to the bronze medal position. Britain’s Benjamin Pritchard took gold, while Ukraine’s Roman Polianskyi secured the silver.
This incident has not only stirred controversy but also highlighted the stringent regulations governing communication in competitive rowing. As the Italian Rowing Federation prepares its next steps, the rowing community watches closely, awaiting further developments in this high-stakes saga.