The Waitaki boy came back to school a Waitaki man yesterday.
Dylan Kennett found it a little strange to be sitting on the stage in the Hall of Memories next to the rector and staff, staring down at the sea of pupils on the benches where he sat just three years ago.
The New Zealand cyclist automatically checked his shirt was tucked in but was otherwise relaxed on his return to Waitaki Boys' High School.
''It was quite cool. I thought I was going to be more nervous than I was,'' Kennett said.
''It was pretty cool to be back in the Hall of Memories. Every other time I've been in there, I've been on the benches looking up on the stage.
"It's pretty different looking down.
''The school's given me a lot of support and I learned a lot of life lessons here.
"Waitaki is a school that prides itself on teaching the boys how to become men. It played a big part in my life.''
Kennett (19) will always be grateful to Dr Paul Baker, the rector in his time at Waitaki, for allowing plenty of time off for cycling.
That has already paid off.
The lad from Waimate is now an established part of the national squad and played a key role as the lead-off man in the New Zealand team that won bronze in the pursuit at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He did not make it to the opening ceremony - racing was the next day - but his eyes were opened as soon as he walked into the athletes' village.
''It was cool going into the dining room for the first time. You saw people from countries you've never heard of, and volunteers everywhere.
"You really got the feeling it was a big event.''
Cycling was the undisputed New Zealand success story in Glasgow, banking 14 medals.
Kennett is relishing being part of the national squad as it now starts the countdown to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
''The biggest thing has been the sprinters developing like they have. They've really come on strong with their programme.
''The guys in the squad are all so motivated, pushing each other to get better. And you need that healthy competition. It's a great environment.''
Few would have realised, watching him on the track in Glasgow, that Kennett was not in optimum condition.
He has had ''alignment'' problems since a crash a year ago, and his pedal stroke has been feeling awkward as a result.
''Basically, the alignment in my back and pelvis is out. The right leg is shorter than the left.
"And there's a bit of bone in my lower back that stops it bending to the right. All sorts of stuff is going on.
''Training has been an issue. I haven't been fully fit, so it's been hard physically. If I can get that sorted, I'll be away laughing.''
Surgery is an option but Kennett wants to look at all the options with the medical team.
He is enjoying some time back in Waimate, catching up with old mates and his family.
Key supporters are parents Craig and Carol - Kennett's mother was in Glasgow - and older brother Josh, who has made an early mark in harness racing, training nine winners in the past two seasons.
In the coming months, there will be stops in slightly more exotic spots, for world cup meets in Guadalajara, London and Cali.
After that, all roads lead to Rio.
''It's not far away now. It's the reason why I started cycling - I want to be an Olympian. And it's very quickly becoming a reality.''
