Retirement off the agenda for Rio bid

David Florence will celebrate his 34th birthday in Rio next summer, but the Aberdonian has no plans on calling it a day any time soon.

Much has changed since Florence last competed on the Olympic stage in London in 2012.

He has become a threetime world champion for starters, but his private life has also changed dramatically with the Scot becoming a proud parent for the first time this year.

Life off the water has become busier, but as he goes for Olympic gold for the third time in his career Florence is not ruling out a fourth bid in Tokyo in 2020.

A remarkable turnaround from a man who was ready to walk away from canoeing after the Beijing Games.

He said: “I became a father for the first time back in January when my son Arlo was born and that has been a lot of fun.

“Has it changed my outlook? Not really although he has cut down on my sleep quite a bit.

“At Beijing, the way things were at the time, claiming silver felt like the realisation of a dream. I was a late starter to this sport and when I was on podium I felt as if I had exceeded my expectations.

“Making the Olympic Games had been beyond my wildest dreams and to claim a medal was incredible. I thought I had achieved as much as I ever would.

“But the lure of London in 2012 was there and taking up C2 was a new challenge which kept it all fresh.

“I know what the best present I could have would be, but I’ve given no thoughts on what happens once the Games in Rio are over.

“I’ve learned not to look too far beyond the immediate goal and that is Rio, but I’ve no plans on retiring at the moment and I still feel I can compete at the highest level.”