Before the world champs in Milan the turbocharged twins said they were focusing simply on making their boat go as fast as they could. "It's a matter of thinking about the process, not the outcome."
As it was, both were a stunning success. They won, and won well. The twins defendedtheir women's double sculls crown, finishing ahead of the Russian pair and their German arch-rivals Kathrin Boron and Britta Oppelt.
Mike Hartley, New Zealand manager since 1997, said admiringly, "they just have that inner core and commitment".
This year's win was sweeter than last year's, because Boron, an eight-time world champion, had skipped the previous regatta and they had to compete in six races in only three days. It leaves the 25-year-olds in pole position for the Athens Olympics next year.
Unlike some sports in which New Zealand excels, rowing is a truly global competition, so when the Evers-Swindells went on to be named female crew of the year by the International Rowing Federation, it was high praise indeed. They are simply the best.
