Nigel Avery feels a little misty eyed, as he looks forward to the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Birmingham.
The former international weightlifter has been named New Zealand's chef de mission for next year's Games, replacing rowing legend Rob Waddell, who had served in the role since 2014.
Avery has fond memories of the Commonwealth Games, winning golds at Manchester 2002 - just two hours away from Birmingham.
He secured top spot in the 105kg clean and jerk, as well as the combined total, while collecting silver in the snatch discipline.
Avery tells Newshub his appointment brings him full circle, as he looks to help create similar memories for the new generation of Kiwi athletes.
"Twenty years and 35kgs ago," he laughs, recalling his 2002 success. "That was a special time in my life and there were so many people who contributed to my success, so to have the ability to enable other athletes to do something similar is a pretty special feeling.
"To be part of the history of the Games is an incredible opportunity for me and one that I am really looking forward to."
Avery, 54, doesn't have long, with the Games just eight months away and the world still grappling with a COVID-19 pandemic.
But the Aucklander expects a smoother ride than his predecessor Waddell, who had to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak at its peak.
Avery says there will still be some restrictions, but he's confident the world will be at some sort of normal by July.
"COVID is less of a challenge now than it was for Tokyo," Avery says. "The world is starting to live with it.
“There are full stadiums at sporting events throughout North America and Europe at the moment, and my hope is that will continue into Birmingham and beyond.
"There will be elements of mandates and restrictions that will be imposed, but it's about adapting to those and learning to live with whatever that looks like.
"It's about taking things step by step, and being open to speak with and listen to all in sundry.
"We have to follow the protocols that our Government sets for us - that's what a modern democratic society should do.
"There is certainly more pressure coming in for more freedom and hopefully that won't be too far away.
"Birmingham is still a fair bit of time away, so there's plenty of time to build up and prepare for qualification, and then prepare for the Commonwealth Games post that. We just have to work with what we have got."
Avery won't stray too far from the positive environment created over the last seven years.
New Zealand won a combined 91 medals in 2014 and 2018 under Waddell's watch, with Rio (18), then Tokyo (20) producing the record Olympic medal tallies.
"Had a great chat with Rob. He's done great things, and he's helped enhance my understanding of the role and what is required.
"I'm keen to contribute to a wider team and support the athletes, because it's all about them. Our goal is to create a positive environment and empower them to succeed in Birmingham.
"It's important to be very approachable, to be able to listen to the needs of the different athletes, because they are all very different with different requirements.
“It's important to be open and be part of a team. It's not about one individual - it's about the success of the team."
