Steven Ferguson will paddle on to become a five-time Olympian, his kayaking crewmate Mike Walker believes.
The pair failed to medal in the K2 1000m final here yesterday.
However, Walker believes Ferguson has the ability and mental application to go one Games further than his father Ian, New Zealand's most decorated athlete with five medals -- four of them gold.
The pair threatened to get one of their own yesterday before tying up over the final 100m, finishing sixth just 0.6sec outside bronze.
Walker, 31, said the result wouldn't deter either of them from uniting next year and building on the gains made this year.
He planned to devote himself for at least two more years despite the time commitment needed and a young family to cater for.
The future of Ferguson, 28, held greater potential.
"He'll want to do five Olympics," Walker said.
"I can see him going to 2012 and potentially beyond that.
"That's Steve, he was born to be an athlete. That's what he enjoys doing (but) he keeps it in perspective, it's not an end all and be all for Steve. He enjoys himself along the way."
If Ferguson does return for London in 2012 and again four years later, he would join boardsailor Barbara Kendall as the only current New Zealander to have attended five consecutive Games.
Walker, who has been happy for Ferguson to hog the public limelight, will plough on assuming "wife and finances allow".
"I'm not finished yet. It's taken me seven years of sprint racing to get competitive in a world class field," the former slalom kayaker said.
"There's plenty of other great athletes that don't make it here. It is very cut-throat in kayaking, probably more so than a lot of sports.
"It was very satisfying to finally get here."
Walker was going to support Ferguson in the K1 500m final today, expressing concern that yesterday's race in sizzling hot conditions may have sapped him.
He picked Canadian superstar Adam van Koeverden to be "a man possessed" in that final, after a surprise flop to finish eighth in the K1 1000m final.
