Path to PyeongChang 2018: From Olympic rower to Village volunteer

7 | 2 | 2018

The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Village is quickly becoming a familiar home for three-time New Zealand Olympian Emma Twigg OLY. For the next fortnight, Twigg, a former World Champion rower in the single scull, has swapped summer sports for winter as she takes on a volunteer role in the Village. Her mission is to provide support to National Olympic Committees as part of the IOC’s NOC Relations team.

“I really wanted to volunteer to have the opportunity to be exposed to winter sports and to see the Games from a different perspective,” said Twigg. “Giving back to the Games and the Olympic Movement means a lot and I’m grateful to be here in PyeongChang to support the IOC’s mission.”

After taking a break from competitive sport following her fourth place finish at Rio 2016, her third Olympic Games, Twigg has been working in the Coordination Team for the IOC Olympic Games Department in Lausanne. Prior to Rio she was mixing sport and study, completing a FIFA master’s degree in management, law, and humanities of sport to prepare for life after sport.

For now though, her focus is on PyeongChang. Twigg is making the most of her latest Games experience and can’t wait to take in some of the winter sport action on offer.

“I’m most looking forward to watching the alpine events. We have a big ski and snowboard culture in New Zealand so it’s fantastic to be able to witness the world’s best up close here in PyeongChang.

“Everything about the Games has been fantastic so far. I’ve been made to feel very much at home by the Korean volunteers. It’s been amazing being part of Village life and spending time with volunteers, athletes and administrators from all over the world.”

World Olympians Association at PyeongChang 2018

World Olympians Association (WOA) is inviting all Olympians planning to attend PyeongChang 2018 to register their interest for WOA’s Olympians programme.

Pre-registration is now open on the WOA website – sign-up today and make the most of your PyeongChang 2018 experience.

You can also RSVP for our exclusive OLYmpian Party at Slovenia House on 15 February HERE.