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Naomi Baker / Getty Images
Robbie Manson of New Zealand after qualifying the men’s scull boat for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The fastest individual rower in rowing history, Robbie Manson, is hanging up the oars.
The 31-year-old New Zealand representative announced on Wednesday that he would be taking an indefinite break from the sport before next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved with the sport that I love, it was much more than I ever dreamed of. The friends I’ve made, the places I’ve been, and the experiences I’ve had are what have made this trip so special and worthwhile, ”Manson wrote.
“Thanks to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way: coaches, support staff, teammates, friends and family.”
READ MORE:
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* Robbie Manson beats Mahe Drysdale in the first major rowing regatta of the summer
* World champion failures guarantee a great summer for Manson, Drysdale and Bond
Manson, a four-time winner of the men’s individual scull national title, won gold at the II Rowing World Cup 2017 in Poznan, Poland, in a new world best time of 6: 30.74, which has not been improved.
However, he failed to turn his initial seasonal form into success at recent world championships, finishing fifth in 2017 and 2018.
He was part of the quad that finished seventh at the 2012 London Olympics and was eleventh in the doubles sculls with Chris Harris at Rio 2016.
Manson was expected to be back with Harris on the ship to New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics before it was postponed this year.
“I’m excited for a change of scenery and to do something different starting Monday,” wrote Manson, who has equestrian experience and recently posted a photo of him jumping on his Instagram account.
