9 Feb 2011

Arthritis forces Drysdale to alter training regime

8:34 am on 9 February 2011

Arthritis is forcing four time world rowing champion Mahe Drysdale to readdress his training regime so he can compete at the London Olympics next year.

Drysdale, who's 32, says he's recovered from the disc problem which troubled him last year but he's suffering further back problems because of arthritis.

He says age and what he's put his back through in training over the past ten years is catching up with him but he's confident he'll be able to compete at the Olympics and possibly even beyond.

He says when he does a full week of rowing the pain builds up and causes problems.

Mahe Drysdale says he's working on developing a fitness programme that involves much more cross training and less time on the water.