Sixth Olympics may not be last: Tomkins
Monday, 4 August 2008
BEIJING, Aug 3 (AFP): Australia's triple rowing gold medallist James Tomkins, who will compete in his sixth Olympics in Beijing, hinted on Sunday that it may not be his last Games.
Dismissing talk of retirement Tomkins, 42, said that he was in such good shape he was already looking ahead to London in 2012.
"After every Games I have said I am going to retire," Tomkins said. "But the way I am feeling right now, I reckon I can do another one."
Tomkins, who will turn 43 during the Games on August 19, won the men's pairs at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and the men's fours at the 1996 Atlanta and 1992 Barcelona Games. He will be competing in the men's eights in Beijing.
As one of the leading rowing nations, Australia is attempting to improve on the four medals won in Athens. For the first time, the country will be competing in all 14 rowing events here.
Dismissing talk of retirement Tomkins, 42, said that he was in such good shape he was already looking ahead to London in 2012.
"After every Games I have said I am going to retire," Tomkins said. "But the way I am feeling right now, I reckon I can do another one."
Tomkins, who will turn 43 during the Games on August 19, won the men's pairs at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and the men's fours at the 1996 Atlanta and 1992 Barcelona Games. He will be competing in the men's eights in Beijing.
As one of the leading rowing nations, Australia is attempting to improve on the four medals won in Athens. For the first time, the country will be competing in all 14 rowing events here.