Horrie, Baker recognised by Rowing Australia

It was double satisfaction for NSWIS rower Erik Horrie and his coach Jason Baker who were named 2013 Male Athlete of the Year and Coach of the Year by Rowing Australia. They received their awards at last month’s Sydney International Rowing Regatta in Penrith.

Horrie completed an amazing transition in the sport by blitzing the field in the arms and shoulders men’s single scull at the 2013 FISA World Rowing Championships in Korea. 

The Penrith based Horrie secured gold by over seven seconds from his nearest competitor, knocking 10 seconds off the previous world record. In winning his maiden world title Horrie defeated arch rival and reigning world and Paralympic champion Tom Aggar, adding to the silver medal he won 12 months ago at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Baker said 2013 was a fantastic year for the pair and was humbled to receive the award by Rowing Australia.

“It was a big surprise and we definitely weren’t expecting it,” Baker said. “It’s a pretty big honour and I’m absolutely privileged to be able to work with Erik.

“He’s a unique athlete and to see what he has achieved after the things he has been through, and to be part of all that is amazing.

“Like they say good athletes make good coaches.”

Horrie began rowing just two years ago in 2011. A former wheelchair basketballer, Horrie switched to the water after being told he wasn’t in line to make the Paralympic Games on the court. 

The former coach of the Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team wanted to keep him in sport because of his competitive nature and natural talent, with Horrie quickly finding his way in the boat before going on to achieve world champion status.

Horrie continued his great form winning the arms and shoulders division at the Sydney International Regatta two weeks ago. The 34-year-old stopped the clock just five second outside his world record, securing the second fastest time in history.

Horrie and Baker are now preparing for their next conquest, the 2014 International Para-Rowing Gavirate Regatta in Varese, Italy. 

“We’ll train for the next month then we’re heading to Italy for the Gavirate Regatta in May,” Baker said.