Rower Robbie Manson has spoken for the first time since ending his battle for the New Zealand single-sculls seat at the Tokyo Olympics.
Three years of failing to medal at the world championships saw him vacate the boat for Mahe Drysdale, revealing he even considered quitting the sport.
But he's now focused on Olympic glory in the mens' double with an old friend.
Having to secure qualification through a 'B' final at last year's world champs, Manson was left questioning not only his Olympic credentials, but his future in the sport.
"Sort of figuring out where I wanted to go," Manson told Newshub. "Whether that was the single, double or not at all."
After a prolonged and high-profile battle, he ultimately relinquished the single-sculls seat to two-time Olympic champ Mahe Drysdale and returned to the double with Chris Harris.
"That change is exciting and I just really needed that to enjoy it again."
The pair placed 11th in the same boat at the 2016 Olympics, but believe they're now a firm medal chance.
"Off the performances we've been doing in training, I feel like we've been going faster than we were in 2015 and 2016."
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