Rower Hamish Bond announced his retirement on Thursday, dropping curtains on a sparkling career where he became the first New Zealand man to win gold at three consecutive Olympics.
Bond, 35, who is also an eight-time world champion, said he already knew briefly that it was the right time to close the paddle.
His career peaked in Tokyo six months ago when he led NZ for an exciting victory in eight men.
Bond said he considered a towel before the Tokyo Olympic match, was postponed for a year over Covid-19 concern, but his wife Lizzie kept it in sports.
“The last few years have been challenging for everyone, not just athletes, and there are times when I seriously consider calling it a day,” he said.
“It took more mental discipline to keep going and I could feel my hunger to punish myself in training Waning.” It was Lizzie who gave me a kick and said ‘No, you didn’t end things like this’ and I really need to keep going and finish my sports career in the right way.
“Two of the golden first-old Olympics in Coxless couples with Crewmate Eric Murray in 2012 London and 2016 Rio.
By adding third gold in Tokyo, the bonds strengthen it place between the Pantheon Olympians NZ.” Feel strange said that I retired but I felt very lucky to walk.
Go while on sports, “said Bond.” I am very special to leave.
In this trip and my career has far exceeded anything I dare to dream when I started.
I have never anticipated the success that was followed, “he said.” The clear Pinnak for me won in London, the first Olympic gold medal, and then won gold with eight in Tokyo, they were phenomenal memories.
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