Menning has problems with atrial fibrillation, which causes his heart to race and his heart rate to soar to 230, compared to his maximum heart rate, which is normally 190.
"Imagine you're out jogging and you get lactic acid all over your body and have difficulty breathing, everything shuts down and you can't do anything," Menning describes the condition that he has learned to deal with and now knows is harmless.
A couple of years ago, he underwent his first surgery for atrial fibrillation and will never forget the feeling the first time the problem appeared.
"I thought I was going to die," Menning says.
Europe has only one spot left in the K1-200 meters
With the surgery behind him, new medicine on the table and a rehab period of just one week, Menning sees a bright future and has three clear goals for next year.
"I want to see how it works with the medicine first and then drive towards the European Championships, the World Championships and the Olympics next year," says Menning.
Despite five World Championship medals, it is a needle's eye to reach the Olympics, as he has to take Europe's only remaining place in the K1-200 meters (not counting those who were among the top six at the World Championships last year) and much is unclear about how he stands in the competition.
"I don't know yet, we don't know who we're going to paddle with. That is a question partly out of my control. I can only focus on my training with hopefully a better heart, says Menning, who is currently in hospital and slept several times yesterday.
"I'm very tired and look tired, and I can't lift my nine-month-old son for a week.
Hear more about Petter Menning's thoughts on the future in the player.