KEY POINTS:
Perfect timing has always been the forte of Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell.
This was demonstrated to the utmost in their final competitive race, the double sculls at the Beijing Olympics, when they claimed the gold medal by one hundredth of a second. Now, they have chosen the ideal moment to announce their retirement.
The defence of their Olympic title was achieved against the odds and required every last ounce of their famed perseverance, hard work and courage. In no way could it be bettered.
Their legacy will be not only that of double Olympic gold medallists and three-times world champions in what is a truly global sport. It will be the way they inspired young women to take up rowing, knowing full well the long and lonely hours of training involved. The sport spends only a short time in the public eye, but the expectation is always high.
As the twins noted on the day of their retirement, many young athletes are coming up through rowing's ranks. Some are already junior and under-23 world champions. Their part in this cannot be overstated.
The twins' contribution did not end there. They are part of a group of well-rounded elite athletes who have made New Zealanders feel unreservedly good. There was none of the star syndrome with the Evers-Swindells.
They were open and affable and proud to represent this country. Indeed, so outstanding were their personalities that, three years ago, they were fourth in a poll of our most trusted individuals.
Throughout much of their decade-long international career, the twins reigned supreme. Their record was one of a great rowing crew. But at the 2006 and 2007 world championships, their dominance evaporated.
To defend their Olympic title, they had to find one last great performance. In supplying that, they produced one of New Zealand's greatest sporting moments.
