Two-time Olympic medallist and 1993 world champion, Derek Porter returned to full-time rowing last season after he took two years off to complete his requirements to become a chiropractor. He won Canada's first ever Pan Am Games gold in men's singles sculls then followed with a bronze at the world championships.

 His 1999 campaign was also marred by a public feud with Canadian national team head coach Diethelm Maxrath. Rowing Canada did not adhere to his demand that Maxrath be fired.

 His top opponent for Olympic gold is world champion Rob Waddell of New Zealand. Porter recently travelled to Germany to be fitted with an $8,000 single sculls boat which weighs only 16 pounds. The Ontario Chiropractic Association is trying to raise about $25,000 to help Porter win the gold medal. John Gleddie, a St. Catharines, ON, chiropractor, who once worked with the Texas Rangers, is leading the fundraising campaign. Porter won a silver medal in the single sculls at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and stroked the men's eights crew to victory at Barcelona in 1992. He has also raced at seven world championships.

2000 Games
Sept. 23: Men's singles: Derek Porter, Victoria, was fourth in final.
Sept. 21: Men's single sculls: Derek Porter, Victoria, finished second in semifinal heat, advanced to final.
Sept. 17: Derek Porter, Victoria, won heat, advanced to semifinals.


Photos
Porter is stunned at finishing fourth
Porter slams his fist in the water
Porter starts his semifinal run
Derek Porter in his single scull
Derek Porter models the uniforms

2000 Games Rowing Coverage
2000 Games Derek Porter Section