After 15 years and two Olympic Games, Kiwi slalom canoeist Mike Dawson's decided to hang up his paddle.
The 32-year-old from Tauranga finished in 15th place at the 2012 Olympics in London, before making the final and coming 10th at the Rio Games in 2016.
Dawson's career highlight came a year later, winning a bronze medal in the inaugural extreme K1 event at the canoe slalom world championships in Pau.
But after more than a decade on the rapids, Dawson's calling time on his Olympic career.
"A lot of great memories created with friends, as we race around the globe - 11 world champs, two Olympics and so many more races," Dawson posted on Instagram.
"I'm stoked to have watched canoe slalom grow in New Zealand, help share it, and see the sport evolve with structure, coaching and depth."
Dawson still has a passion for adventure kayaking, which has already seen him explore the rivers of Pakistan, and the Zambezi and the Nile in Africa.
Newshub.
