MATTHEW Langridge is not easily fazed anymore by the challenges his chosen sport can present.

Instead he has spent the final year of his career, the lead-up to his fourth Olympic Games as part of Great Britain’s rowing team, seeing familiar places through different eyes.

Each camp, race, and regatta has been one closer to his last.

“I’ve never really liked training that much anyway,” he laughs when asked whether making an early decision he would retire after returning from Rio had led to any feelings of sadness.

“It’s been nice to appreciate the places more, and I’ve made the most of that.

“In the past, I’ve hated camps – particularly one we do at altitude in the Sierra Nevada.

“After 15 years going there, knowing I wouldn’t again after the latest visit made it more bearable!"

After winning a bronze medal in the men’s eight at London four years ago – adding to a silver one he brought home from Beijing in 2008 – the former Northwich Rowing Club member does not shy away from what he wants to achieve in Brazil.

If things to go plan, he will be sat waiting for the final to start on Saturday.

Once there the British crew, reigning world champions in the boat class, will have to do something they haven’t yet this season – beat their old foes from Germany.

After finishing a disappointing third at the European Championships, Langridge and company were fourth and then second at World Cup regattas that followed.

“I haven’t lost any confidence at all we’ll get it right [in Brazil],” the 33-year-old insists.

“Look at Jurgen Grobler, our coach; I’ve watched his crews so many times. No matter how things look in the build-up, they pull a performance out of the bag in the final.

“I’ve every faith we’ll do the same.

“There’s definitely an added edge knowing this is my last chance, but that doesn’t stress me out.

“The best bit of advice I’ve ever had is to worry only about being better than the opposition on the day.

“It’s not important to be perfect, and that takes the pressure away.

“I’d be lying if I said my imagination hasn’t wandered at certain moments and I’ve pictured in my head what it might be like to cross the line first.

“But when that happens, I quickly stop.

“I don’t want to think about the result, just doing the right things to get it.”

Langridge places a high value on know-how, particularly when remembering the younger version of himself – aged just 21 – that turned up in Athens in 2004.

The former Hartford High School pupil had been crowned a world junior champion three years earlier, making history as the first Briton to win single sculls gold at that level.

He raced a double, with Matt Wells, in Greece that failed to make the final.

“I didn’t have the best time,” admits Langridge.

“I’d built up in my mind that everything would be perfect, that everybody would be faster or different in some way.

“When I got there, it felt like an anti-climax; it’s still a race in straight lanes against the guys you’ve raced all year long.

“When you’re in your 20s, and you don’t know where your career is heading, you don’t appreciate what’s happening.

“I’m more relaxed now, and have taken the opportunity to reflect.

“I’ve enjoyed myself more as a result, and last winter’s training was the best I’ve ever had.”

On the subject of social media – Langridge has joined Twitter after years of indifference – he suddenly sounds less certain.

“It doesn’t come naturally,” he smiles.

“I find myself forgetting to tweet for ages, then sit there trying to think of something interesting to say.”

He’ll have plenty of time to perfect his technique once retired.

Before then, a final awaits.