EMMA TWIGG, 1987, New Zealand
Silver medal in the women's skiff at the World Rowing Championships 2023
Olympic champion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, bronze medalist at the III Rowing World Cup 2023.
What is the main trait of your character?
Stubbornness.
Has it influenced your sports career?
Yes. Without her, I don't think my career would have been as long as it was.
What virtue do you wish you had?
Equanimity.
A fun fact about you.
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Do you have a motto for life?
Persistence wins over resistance.
Your second favorite sport.
Cricket.
Three athletes you admire.
Roger Federer, Lucy Spoors, Melie Kerr.
What is the sporting milestone you remember most?
To qualify for my first Olympic Games.
How did you become a fan of your sport?
My father coached my brother in his first season, so they were the ones who taught me the sport.
Who helped you the most to achieve your sports dream?
My parents.
Your greatest achievement?
To be an Olympic champion.
And your worst failure?
All my failures have taught me something, so none of them is the worst.
What has the sport taught you for life?
They have taught me hard work, perseverance and that the relationships you build along the way are much more valuable than any medal.
How would you like fans to remember you?
I hope my fans will find something inspiring in me that will help motivate them to achieve a goal of theirs.
What is the biggest challenge in your sport?
To be good at rowing requires consistent hard work over a long period of time. Maintaining that level of consistency is sacrificial.
What is the most important aspect of any training?
Consistency.
Do you have any rituals or hobbies before a competition?
At important competitions I like to have my hair done by my friend Phoebe.
What role has your upbringing played in your sports career?
My education gave me the opportunity to row at a high level, but it has also given me many tools that help me day after day in training and competitions.
And what role has sport played in your education?
Sport has given me opportunities to travel and study abroad and I have met many people from different backgrounds during my studies.
A tip for the younger ones.
Pursue your dreams and don't let anyone tell you that you're not good enough.