A new mum and a mum-to-be have had plenty in common to talk about recently, but rowing is the number one focus for them over the next couple of weeks.
Lucy Spoors Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lucy Spoors and Emma Twigg are both competing at the Henley Royal Regatta near London this week.
The pair arrived in Britain later than the rest of the New Zealand rowing squad with Twigg wanting to spend time with her new son, while Spoors used the extra time at home to prepare for the arrival of a new member of her family.
Twigg's wife Charlotte gave birth to their son Tommy in April.
Spoors, who was a member of the women's eight that won silver at last year's Tokyo, has just made it public that she is pregnant.
"With me being 17 weeks pregnant and Emma being a new mum it just made sense for us to not have such a long tour.
"When I first let everyone know I was pregnant I wasn't sure that I'd be able to come on a World Cup tour but I've had such amazing support from Rowing New Zealand and the team around me that it was basically if you want to go we'll support you.
"I absolutely want to be here because for me it's about continuing to do what I've always done for as long as possible because to me that feels normal," she said.
Spoors news has also meant she and Twigg have had plenty of other things to talk about besides rowing.
"We talk about it most seconds of most days and we're looking at photos and so it's nice to be here with each other.
Spoors would like to return to rowing after the birth of her child but isn't making any promises.
"I'd like to be in Paris but I don't want to put any pressure on myself, if I could be in Paris I'd love to be there."
Emma Twigg, Henley winner in 2019 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
However September's World Championships in the Czech Republic won't be possible.
Spoors says while it may not have been the case in the past, there is now support for women with families in rowing.
"Rowing is now in a position to support it and they absolutely have and it's made me really excited about the journey because I feel everyone is embracing it.
For now though rowing is her main focus with the heats at the Henley Royal Regatta starting Thursday night.
Spoors and Twigg are both competing in the single sculls this week before combining in the double for the next World Cup regatta.
The Henley format is head-to-head knockout races with Spoors scheduled to meet top seed and Olympic champion Twigg in the quarter finals.
It's Spoors fourth trip to Henley and a regatta she gets excited about.
"It's such a unique event and because of the support it can sometimes appear to be a bit of a circus, but it's so special as you don't get that feeling anywhere else.
"There's a dress standard and there are certain areas where men need to be wearing a blazer and tie and women have to be in a dress that goes below the knee.... so everyone is very smart and and drinking Pimms.
There are ten New Zealand crews competing at Henley this week
