His marvellous performance to win gold in the single sculls, and the mighty efforts of fellow gold medallists Hamish Bond, Eric Murray, Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan in London, look set to inspire a whole new generation of rowers.
Otago Rowing Association regional manager Sonya Walker said there had been increased interest in rowing following New Zealand's Olympic success.
"It is still early days but we've definitely had more phone calls and emails about rowing and I know the clubs and the regions have had more interest as well," Walker said.
"We often have increased interest after the Olympics, so it was sort of expected.
"After the Evers-Swindell twins won gold, the entries went up threefold for the women's double the following season.
"It is a little bit cyclical.
Depending on who is successful at the Olympics, that following season we see an influx.'Sarah Walker's silver medal ride in the BMX final, and Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie's gold in the women's 470 sailing class, have also helped boost interest in their respective sports.
"We've had five phone calls already this morning," Otago Yachting Association president Fiona Balch reported.
"I'm over the moon. It is a great sport for girls."
Aleh was inspired to take up yachting after watching the America's Cup as a 12-year-old and was a fantastic ambassador for the sport, Balch said.
Dunedin BMX Club president Jason Wadsworth also reported increased interest, as did Otago Hockey Association facility and hockey manager Sam Brown.
The New Zealand women's hockey team missed out on a medal but forced its way into the spotlight with some fabulous performances.
"There has been a few new inquiries, especially on the junior front," Brown said.
"It has fallen in quite nicely because we are launching a new junior programme starting over the next month.
"It is a Hockey New Zealand initiative called Small Sticks, for kids under 13."
