Rowing NZ attempted to replace McBride with former NZ representative Lucy Strack, who left the sport in 2014 but has been competing in IronMan events in recent years. But Rowing NZ coach James Coote told 1 News they weren’t able to get an Olympic-quality combination in time. “We tried with a number of athletes and different combinations and people and all of that . and with any of the options, there just wasn t the runway to be able to do it.” Kiddle told 1 News she backed McBride’s move despite the unfortunate outcome. “I m not happy to row with anyone who is going to be unhealthy, and I fully support her decision to retire.”