Waddell undecided on next challenge

MARK TAYLOR/Fairfax Media

ROB WADDELL: Wants to be considered for the double sculls boat for the Beijing Olympics and is adamant he has not issued a list of conditions for his inclusion.

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Rob Waddell is keeping mum on his sporting future. He is not ruling out a return to sailing or a shot at rowing in the 2012 Olympics in London.

Waddell was in Invercargill yesterday to speak at a Halberg Trust luncheon at the Ascot Park Hotel.

The 33-year-old has had nearly two months to reflect on his Beijing Olympic campaign, finishing fourth in the double sculls event.

However, Waddell has yet to announce his future sporting plans.

"I may get back into sailing. It is something I've enjoyed and I like doing but I also haven't ruled out 2012 and having a go at another Olympics," the 2000 Sydney games gold medallist told The Southland Times yesterday.

"I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I don't think it's right to rush into something and then a month later think, `that's not what I want to do'. I think it's best to give it time. I've got a young family to think about as well."

In 2001 Waddell switched from rowing to sailing, taking an opportunity with Team New Zealand. He was used as a grinder for the 2003 America's Cup campaign.

Late last year Waddell made a surprise comeback to rowing circles in an attempt to book a place in the single sculls at the Beijing Olympics.

Waddell was headed off by Mahe Drysdale in the single sculls but was paired with Southlander Nathan Cohen in the double sculls.

While Waddell is in reflection mode, his younger Olympic doubles partner Cohen has quickly reset his focus to the 2012 Olympics.

Cohen's long-term goal took its first steps with a win last Sunday in the prestigious Head of Charles regatta in Boston.

It was a major success in what was a quality field and the triumph didn't escape Waddell's attention.

"I follow Nathan's results pretty closely and I was rapt to hear that. With Nathan it's not a matter of if he is going to make a mark, it's a matter of when. He is a real dynamic and athletic guy and he's got a big future," Waddell said.

Despite a 10-year age difference, the two have become pals during their short time competing together, which included winning gold at a World Cup meet early this year.

Waddell said Cohen could have a bright future in single sculls but said it was best to keep an open-mind over which crew he joined in representing New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News