Tiaan Whelpton has been chasing new speed and new competition, all in a new environment of South Africa.
“There's guys in the lanes next to me which are pushing me and pulling me, that's not something I’m used to," said the Kiwi sprinter who’s returned to his country of birth temporarily and is training out of Pretoria.
It comes after the Christchurch sprint programme fell apart following revelations of coach Andrew Maclennan’s inappropriate relationships with female athletes.
“I was on my own," said Whelpton.
"I was rocking up to the track all on my own it was cold it was windy so yeah, I had to make the move. I tried to find coaches elsewhere, but I couldn't find any. Australia funnily enough don't want to work with their competition.”
But one of South Africa's leading sprint coaches, Hennie Kriel came calling. He's coached Olympians and world record holders. But most importantly, sub 10 second athletes in the 100 metres.
That's a time that would all but book Whelpton a spot at next year's Paris Olympics.
“Unfortunately, as we know the NZOC has some funny standards," said Whelpton.
"For us there's not really a chance to qualify on points on rankings.
"The easiest - I say easiest because that's the most hassle and pain free method to go to the Olympics - is to run that sub 10 seconds and no one can stop you.”
The 23-year-old's new pace will be put to the test at his indoor debut in Spain this weekend where he is racing in the 60 metres.
The aim - beat NZ record holder Gus Nketia's time of 6.59 seconds.
“Anything close to a sub 6.60 I know I’m in 10 second shape for the 100 metres," said Whelpton.
"I've got lofty goals. But the goal for me is to run 6.58 and I will say that out loud because if goals don't scare you a little bit your goals aren't ambitious enough."
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