AFTER a career spent relentlessly hitting the water for early morning starts and late-night finishes, it is understandable that it may take a little time to adapt to retirement.

That is certainly proving to be the case for Olympic medallist Jess Eddie, who was part of the women’s eight that won silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The 34-year-old Durham-born rower hung up her oar just a month ago but hasn’t completely slipped out of the routine just yet.

“Rowing’s an addictive sport and I’d never not be involved in it,” she said.

“The day I sent my retirement email I went and did an ergo. I love doing it; that’s why I did it for three Olympic Games.

“I’d happily carry on again, but I want to see what else life will have to offer. I love it and will be heavily involved in it, there’s no doubt about it.”

While it will take some getting used to for Eddie, the rowing cycle continues, with the Tokyo Olympics ever-approaching.

And despite a relatively underwhelming performance at the recent World Rowing Championships, Eddie is sure that the country of Steve Redgrave, Katherine Grainger and the Henley Royal Regatta will come good when it truly matters.

“I think the GB rowing team is a very strong programme,” she continued.

“There weren’t the medals at this last World Championships that you’d expect from the British rowing team, but the amount of team that were in Olympic qualifying position was huge - most of the team was.

“Our main goal going into the Olympics is being in Olympic qualifying position; the Olympics are where the medals are won, not before.

“I’m fully confident that we can go there and be a successful team. I’d love to be in it, but unfortunately life calls and I’m going to get on with that.”

Eddie was speaking at SportsAid’s One-to-Watch award ceremony at London City Hall, at which boxer Caroline Dubois picked up the prize that counts Tom Daley and Morgan Lake as former winners.

And the Durham native – an alumnus of the charity – was delighted to celebrate the best of Britain’s upcoming sporting talent.

“It’s really important – and I think that’s why we’ve got so many ambassadors – because we were all supported by this charity,” she added.

“Then coming out of the other end of it as an Olympic medallist, very successful in your own sport, it’s really important to remember who got you there in the first place.

“I’m really involved in SportsAid now, because I truly believe that sport can change people’s lives and I think it can be a massive positive impact.”