Relief.
That was the first emotion coursing through New Zealand's first gold medalists of the Rio Olympics.
Superstar rowers Hamish Bond and Eric Murray proved why they were unbackable favourites in the men's pair - extending their astonishing winning streak to 69 races with their second Olympic crown.
But speaking to Newshub Olympics reporter Michelle Pickles on Paul Henry, New Zealand's underwhelming start to the Rio games was clearly on their mind as a nation pinned their gold hopes on their black boat.
"There was so much expectation on our shoulders, we're not going to deny that. A lot from everyone but probably more from Hamish and myself." Murray revealed.
"We turned up here knowing things could be difficult, the wind could be from wherever, as it was to today. We were able to go out there and go to our expectation"
Anything less than gold would have been a shock to the New Zealand sporting public but Bond wasn't taking success for granted heading into the race.
"(I'm) just pleased we didn't trip at the final hurdle. We didn't want an asterisk next to the last four years."
The champion pair also reflected on the hard work and sacrifice it took to extend their legacy and further cement their place in Olympic folklore. Murray putting the constant travel into perspective.
"Basically for the last 8 years, I've been away for 2 of them. I've missed (wife Jackie's) birthday every single year, I've Zac's (son) birthday every single year, I've missed his first day at school, that sucks." Murray explained.
"This is a little bit of redemption for that. Now how do you say thank you for something like that? it's ridiculous."
But the question all Kiwis wanted answered - will they hang around to become three time Olympic champions?
"Too early," laughed Bond. "Not at this point. 4 more years...Rio looked a long way from London, Tokyo looks like the moon right now. We'll wait and see, let the dust settle."
Newshub.