Mahe Drysdale has spoken out on New Zealand's struggles at the world rowing championships in Bulgaria.
New Zealand won three medals - two silvers and a bronze - which was the country’s lowest medal return since 2003 and the first time since 2001 New Zealand has failed to win gold.
Last year, New Zealand won seven medals - three gold, three silver, one bronze.
Drysdale, who has most of his rowing success in the single sculls boat, was part of the men's quad that exceeded expectations with their fourth-place finish in the final - their first in 44 years.
Writing on his website, Drysdale said Rowing New Zealand will need to have "honest conversations" about the failed campaign.
"Unfortunately, we were the only NZ crew that performed beyond the expectations set for it," Drysdale wrote. "I have to say it was a hard watch at times, as a number of crews struggled to reach their potential.
"Some of this is certainly the standard of the world going up. Unfortunately, in a number of cases, this is due to NZ coaches that have gone overseas and implemented an NZ-style system, meaning we are losing our competitive advantage.
"Some, I believe, comes down to what and how we are doing things."
Drysdale was referencing the departures of coaches like Dick Tonks, Dave Thompson and Ian Wright, who have all moved abroad to help other rowing teams.
"Hopefully, this is a catalyst for some honest conversations and the boost needed to implement some changes, so we can earn our place back as the most successful rowing nation in the world," he added.
Newshub.
