Rowing: Twaddle retires from rowing

Nathan Twaddle. Photo / Janna Dixon

Former New Zealand world champion and Olympic medallist Nathan Twaddle has announced his retirement from rowing.

Twaddle, 32, signalled his intention to carry on to next year's London Olympics after finishing seventh in the men's quadruple scull at the world championships on Lake Karapiro in November but has since had a change of heart.

Twaddle, 34, has been heavily involved in the success of New Zealand rowing in recent years while grapping nine national titles.

In the pairs boat he carved out a successful international career, starting with Rob Hellstrom in 2003 before teaming up with George Bridgewater to win the world championship title in 2005 at Gifu, Japan.

The duo went on to take two more world championship silver medals, Olympic bronze at Beijing in 2008 and eight further World Cup medals, four of which were gold. Awards followed, including the Halberg Team of the Year title in 2005.

"I loved being a rower but I don't feel I have the potential for medal performances in me," he said.

"It has become clear over the last month that even with my desire to get to London, my ability to overcome the odds and push to get myself there has waned. To continue on without that drive wouldn't have produced the result and would have been unfair to both my crew mates and my family.

"I know this may come as a surprise given my public intention to focus on the London Olympics. However I did say then that I had no desire to be there just to take part. I wanted to at least be a contender for a podium performance.

"I have already had the privilege of attending two Olympic Games and being a medallist. If I'm not able to give the training 100 percent then I am standing in the way of someone else becoming not only an Olympian but hopefully an integral part of a medal performance that I'm no longer sure I can deliver."

The popular Twaddle thanked the support of his family and friends over a 12-year career, along with the work of several coaches and administrators.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that rowing has given me over the past 20 years," he said.

"I have been lucky to be part of our sport's recent rise to prominence and I am very proud of my small part in making the black singlet respected internationally and cause for celebration at home."

- NZPA