Champion New Zealand rower Mahé Drysdale says the agency responsible for high-performance sport in New Zealand is about "directing and dictating", instead of responding to the concerns of athletes.
Olympic rowing great Mahe Drysdale has bid an emotional farewell to his rowing family, officially announcing his retirement on Thursday morning.
Drysdale, 42, has dominated the single scull for more than a decade, winning gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
At the 2008 Beijing games Drysdale was suffering from a gastro bug, when he threw-up and fainted after crossing the finish line third. He had to be carried to the medal ceremony.
Drysdale missed out on NZ's Tokyo Olympic team after Jordon Parry claimed the single sculls spot.
"I'd made the decision that I'd retire in Tokyo," he told Checkpoint.