Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis are back on the international podium, claiming victory in The Stonor Challenge Trophy at the 2026 Henley Royal Regatta in what was their first competitive outing together since winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The pair entered Henley as reigning Olympic champions in the women's double sculls and delivered a commanding performance throughout the regatta, justifying their status as favourites. It was a significant return to racing for a crew that had taken time away from the sport following the birth of their children.
Their Paris gold was already a piece of rowing history. Spoors and Francis became the first crew of mothers to win an Olympic rowing gold medal, a result that followed silver medals in both the women's eight and double sculls at the Tokyo Games. Few New Zealand rowing partnerships carry that kind of record into a start line.
Earlier in 2026, the duo had shown their form was intact by taking the women's premier double sculls title at the New Zealand Rowing Championships. Henley confirmed that sharpness extends to the international stage.
Their campaign was supported by Filippi Boats, who provided the crew with an F13 racing shell, the same model they train and race in back home. Spoors and Francis are also members of the Filippi Family for 2026, an initiative by the Italian boat builder that brings together leading rowers to share behind-the-scenes stories, training insights, and major regatta campaigns.
Spoors was clear about how much that familiarity with the equipment meant on Henley's famous course. "Having the chance to race in an F13, the same model we use in New Zealand, made a huge difference. Henley is a unique course and can be a challenging regatta, so having complete confidence in the boat is incredibly important."
She was equally warm about the trip itself. "It was such a special trip for us to do together in the middle of the year, and a great opportunity to get back to racing side by side again. We're really grateful for Filippi's support, and to come away with a win made the experience even more memorable. We hope we can be back."
