Rowing: Kiwi sculler Robbie Manson targeting world champs glory

Kiwi rower Robbie Manson is the world's fastest single sculler. Photo / photosport.nz

The world's fastest single sculler Robbie Manson is confident a niggling rib injury won't impact on his prospects of capping a terrific year with success at the world championships in Florida in four weeks' time.

Manson won both his World Cup finals earlier this year in Poznan, Poland - in a world best time of 6min 30.74s - then Lucerne, Switzerland with sizzling performances.

However he picked up some pain shortly after Poznan, which he's still endeavouring to fully shake off.

''It never completely went away," Manson, 27, said yesterday. ''I had a bone scan and it came up with a hot spot. It felt like something was not quite right.

''It flared up a couple of weeks ago and it's meant I've training on the bike instead of on the water.

''It was the same thing in Europe, but I was out of the boat for two weeks and had four or five days back in it before Lucerne."

Now it's healing well and Manson is hoping to have three weeks training on the water which, with his immense base fitness level, should enable him to be the man for the others to chase in Sarasota.

The men's single scull role is a storied position in New Zealand rowing after the deeds of Rob Waddell (2000 Olympics gold) and Mahe Drysdale (2008 Olympic bronze, and 2012 and 2016 gold).

Drysdale has taken time out since Rio last year but was back on the water at Lake Karapiro today. His exact plans are unclear. Conversations are still to be had with Rowing New Zealand officials.

But Manson is determined to make the job his at the Tokyo Games in 2020.

''I've definitely surprised myself," he said of this year's success. ''At the beginning of it all I said I just want to see how I go, make A finals and if I get a medal great.

''I've far exceeded anything I thought possible already this year."

The New Zealand squad head to Florida on September 14.