Empowering conversations, inspiring change.
Emma’s international rowing career has lasted 21 years, making her a five-time Olympian and both a World and Olympic champion. Despite narrowly missing the podium with two fourth-place finishes at the London and Rio Olympics, she took a break from rowing before returning triumphantly for Tokyo 2020, where she became Olympic champion in the women’s single scull.
At her fifth Games in Paris three years later, Emma earned a Silver medal. Now 38, she continues to break new ground by aiming for a sixth Olympic appearance, this time in the Beach Sprint discipline, where she claimed a World Championship title in 2025.
Authentic, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging. Emma’s keynote speeches and panel discussions go beyond the surface to spark real conversations. Emma talks to audiences about teamwork, resilience, leadership, discovering your value, and the power of believing that whatever you set your mind to - anything is possible.
Her journey to the top was anything but straightforward. After finishing fourth at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Emma stepped away from rowing, completing a masters in sport management and working with the International Olympic Committee. However, her passion for the sport brought her back. In 2018, she returned to training and in 2021 achieved her childhood dream of Olympic Gold in Tokyo.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Emma is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of athletes, advocating for athlete wellbeing, and contributing to the development of high-performance sport. Since becoming a mother in 2022, she balances her professional career with family life, embracing new challenges while continuing to inspire through her journey. She is now championing the emerging Olympic discipline of Coastal Rowing Beach Sprints while sharing her journey and insights with audiences across New Zealand and beyond.
Emma connects with audiences through compelling storytelling, inspiring insights, and meaningful conversation. Whether tackling leadership, resilience, transition, or high-performance mindsets, she leaves a lasting impact.
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The New Zealand Team: Emma Twigg
Emma was fantastic, really interesting to hear her story and she shared it in a way that was inspiring and constructive to those also striving towards their goals. ... keep reading Bell Gully
Emma as a Keynote Speaker resonated with our audience, and the takeaway from the event, was surround yourself with a great team - which is relevant in the dairy industry
