Derek Porter hasn't been in his singles rowing shell since 2008, but something stops him from selling it.
Maybe it's because that boat, and numerous others he used, have helped transport the two-time Olympic medallist from Victoria into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2012, announced Thursday, includes Porter, Winter Olympic medallists Jeremy Wotherspoon of speed skating, Pierre Lueders of bobsled, Jamie Salé and David Pelletier of figure skating, three-time FIFA World Cup soccer player Charmaine Hooper and bruising former NHL blue-liner Scott Niedermayer. Going in as builders are Marion Lay and Daryl (Doc) Seaman.
"I've thought about selling my last boat but it would be a tough thing for me to do," said Porter, gold medallist with the Canadian eight at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and silver medallist in the single sculls at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games after leading all the way before being overtaken in the final 500 metres by Xeno Muller of Switzerland.
Some connections are just too hard to break.
Porter's began during his second year at the University of Victoria when he joined the beginners rowing program. He had been a track athlete at Mount Douglas Secondary. Although a marvellous physical specimen, he knew he wasn't going anywhere as a runner. Island rowing became famous for taking castoffs from other sports and turning them into world beaters on the waters of Elk Lake.
"My dad rowed [Hugh Porter is from Belfast and won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games before settling in Victoria] but he never pushed me into it," said Derek Porter, now 44 and a chiropractor in Vancouver. "It hit me at UVic that rowing may be the sport that could get me to the Olympics."
Not only did it, but also twice to the podium. A third Olympic medal was only narrowly missed when Porter, the 1993 single-sculls world champion, finished fourth in a blanket finish in the single at the 2000 Sydney Summer Games where only two seconds separated first from fourth.
Porter said his highlight was winning Olympic gold.
"It will be the 20-year anniversary this summer and the e-mails have been flying back and forth [between members of the 1992 Barcelona Games championship eight crew about a possible reunion]," he said.
Porter's enshrinement into the Canadian Sports Hall was only a matter of time.
The induction ceremonies take place Oct. 18 at the Calgary Convention Centre.
"It was very thrilling to get that call," he said.
"My B.C. Sports Hall of Fame induction was a great honour but this [Canadian Hall] is the big one."
It might even inspire Porter to haul out his old boat for another spin. If only for old time's sake.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
