"I could drop dead of a heart attack at the age of 99 and the doctors could say, `See'," said Olympic silver medallist Hayden Roulston last night.
After winning silver in the men's 4000m individual pursuit in a world-class performance, Roulton's mind went back two years to whenhe was diagnosed with a heart ailment that was, doctors said, potentially fatal. They recommended that he give up his racing career.
Roulston heard what they said but found the recommendation harder to swallow than his rear wheel. He obeyed for a while but then shucked off the medical restraints and returned to the sport he loved.
"That's a tricky question," he said when asked what he felt about the doctors now. "I'd say I proved my point tonight. I am not saying they were wrong but I am fine now; I definitely have no issues there any more."
Roulston also drolly remarked that the doctors would always win that argument _ hence the crack about dropping dead of a heart attack at 99.
"That medal means an awful lot to me; it's pretty emotional," Roulston said. "I was pretty emotional even before the race and I gave it my best and I have no regrets."
Roulston only bowed to the eventual winner, crack British world champion Bradley Wiggins. He walked away happy with the silver and three very good times.
Of the ups-and-downs he has encountered in the past two years or so, Roulston said: "To be honest, to do what I have done is something, even though I have had those ups-and-downs I have also had fantastic support.
"My family are all here and they have been terrific and my lady is here too and she has been a real inspiration."
On the podium, as the flags went up with the Kiwi flag bordered by two British flags (bronze medal winner was another Briton, Steven Burke), Roulston took a moment to reflect.
"I was just picturing the New Zealand flag in centre frame."
