Multisports: Hamish Carter moves into the twilight of his career

Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter has signalled a September curtain call on his brilliant career.

Carter finished his last Commonwealth Games race with a sixth placing after being dropped early on the run leg.

When asked if the world championships in Switzerland in September would be his final competitive race, Carter said: "Probably. You sort of wonder how much longer you've got the goods."

Carter had a sensational bike-run transition and was in the lead out the shute but the pace put on initially by Australian Peter Robertson was too hot and he was dropped early as he struggled to find his running legs.

"They just didn't quite click. I don't know whether it's because I haven't raced this year or maybe it was just too fast a run for me.

"It just wasn't my day."

Carter has raced only twice in the past six months. He had scheduled a race at Geelong two weeks ago but tropical storms forced the cancellation of the event, leaving the Auckland triathlete undercooked.

Triathlon high performance manager Steve Farrell suggested earlier in the week that the flagbearer duties might have affected Carter's preparation but he was not falling back on that excuse.

"[It was] a massive honour but this was what it was all about so I'm disappointed. It [carrying the flag] wasn't a distraction."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY