Olympics: Ferguson says groundwork laid for London

Disappointment that New Zealand's kayakers failed to claim an Olympic medal in Beijing is countered by optimism from Steven Ferguson that London in 2012 will be different.

Ferguson was everywhere during the six-day regatta that finished yesterday, a fatigued but satisfied figure after crossing the line eighth in the nine-boat K1 500m final.

It came a day after his sixth placing with Mike Walker in the K2 1000m and Ben Fouhy's fourth in the K1 1000m.

Reaching three finals was regarded as a success by the small New Zealand team, with Fouhy's performance a fillip after his low expectations coming in.

Former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Fouhy's future is uncertain so it is probably Ferguson the sport will turn to over coming years to maintain profile and international results.

As engaging off the water as his Olympic father Ian, Ferguson showed enough this week to suggest medals at World Cups and world championships may not be far off as he paddles full steam towards the 2012 London Olympics.

"I'll give it everything I've got over the next four years. I want to medal next time," Ferguson said.

"This is a huge learning curve for me.

"Dad was 32 when he won his (first) gold medals, I'm 28, so I've still got time to get as many medals as him."

Ian claimed four gold medals and a silver spanning the 1984 and 1988 Games to be New Zealand's most decorated Olympian.

However, Steven sets his sights high, agreeing he could match his father and compete at five Olympics as was suggested by Walker yesterday.

"I could probably get up to six if I really tried," he said.

"... but I probably won't, I might be doing bowls or something at that stage."

Ferguson, who swam breaststroke at the 2000 Olympics, has now reached three Olympic kayaking finals, including his eighth in the K2 1000m with Fouhy at Athens four years ago.

The heavy workload of the week counted against him yesterday, lacking power in the crucial first few strokes due to the previous day's final -- which had seen him physically sick during the warm down.

Erin Taylor, 21, bowed out in the K1 500m semifinals on Thursday but her sharp gains have excited aficionados.

The sport's management is also on the improve.

Uncertainty over funding six months ago forced the resignation of two Canoe Racing New Zealand officials including boss Richard de Groen.

The sport has largely got by on a volunteer basis since but guaranteed support from Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) next year means a chief executive is likely to appointed before Christmas.