A crushed Emma Twigg isn't sure where her rowing future standings after finishing short of an Olympic medal for the third time.
Former world champion Twigg isn't prepared to commit to another single sculls campaign after finishing fourth in the final in Rio, matching her result from 2012.
"Who knows," Twigg said on possible retirement.
"Right now it is certainly time to set away and I think there is a big wide world out there, but who knows, never say never."
Making her debut in a New Zealand eight in 2006, Twigg switched to the single a year later and made the class her own for a decade.
A gradual improvement resulted in four world championships medals, including gold in 2014.
Twigg undertook a master's course in sports management last year, leaving her needing to book a place for Rio via a sudden-death regatta in March.
She says that preparation didn't explain her inability to fire in the final.
Australian Kim Brennan, who Twigg was expected to challenge, powered to gold, followed home by American silver medallist Genevra Stone and third-placed Jingli Duuan of China.
Twigg said she was guilty of letting the trio get too far ahead early on.
"I guess it's disappointing that today will probably be the defining moment of my career.
"It's now about moving forward and being able to contribute something special in whatever field that I'll step into next.".
Twigg added that she's looking forward to relaxing in Brazil with friends and family as she soaks up the Olympic atmosphere before heading home.
Newshub.
