Paris Olympics 2024: Rower Emma Twigg hints at retirement ahead of her fifth Games bid

Emma Twigg wins gold in Tokyo after falling short at three previous Games. Photo / Photosport

One of New Zealand’s most experienced Olympians is preparing for her last Games.

Emma Twigg is set to compete in Paris in July in the single scull, marking an impressive fifth appearance at the pinnacle event.

While she approaches this milestone with excitement, the 37-year-old also acknowledges the likelihood that it will be her final time on the biggest stage.

“I know that it’s likely my last,” she told the Herald.

“So [I’m] ticking off all of the lasts as I go along and really enjoying the last few months of my career.”

However, providing some relief for her fans, she confirmed she wouldn’t be hanging up her oars completely.

“There’s a few regattas that I’ve got planned for after the Games and coastal rowing over in America ... So it’s certainly not the end of rowing full stop but a four-year Olympic cycle is a pretty big ask.”

The Olympic gold medallist from Tokyo has one of the great redemption stories in New Zealand sport.

Twigg was left in despair by fourth placings in the single sculls at the 2012 and 2016 Games. Fighting through a couple of retirements and self-doubt from what she described as “failures” at the time, she then roared to a glorious gold medal in 2021.

Reflecting on her turbulent career, she says it’s a privilege to be heading to Paris as a defending champion.

“The monkey’s off the back in terms of I’ve won and I’ve become an Olympic champion – now it’s just about enjoying the experience.”

Another aspect providing comfort is heading to Paris as a first-time mum.

Having her wife Charlotte and 2-year-old son Tommy in the stands changes everything.

“It just puts everything in perspective.

“When you’ve got a little one to look after, your priorities change and you’re not necessarily centred solely on what you’re doing.

“Having that extra element that they’re going to be in the stands and he’s starting to know what mama does ... that’s pretty cool.”

While she’s fairly sure this will be the last time her whānau will support her at the Games, she’s not completely ruling out a sixth event.

“I guess you never know. I don’t know until I’ve been there and ticked the box.”

Bonnie Jansen is a multimedia journalist in the NZME sports team. She’s a football commentator, passionate about women’s sport and was part of the Te Rito cadetship scheme before becoming a fulltime journalist.