The Otago University rowers are set to wear the silver fern after being selected in the New Zealand women’s eight to compete at the Windermere Cup — one of rowing’s most historic races — in Washington next month.
It is a first national nod for the pair, who have been grinding away through the system for the past couple of years.
Lequeux, who has also been selected for world cup events in Varese and Lucerne in June, first trialled for New Zealand in 2016, and finally realising her dream nearly 10 years on was incredible.
"It’s a special moment," Lequeux said.
"It’s been a massive journey. I feel proud, relieved and excited.
"Excited to row for New Zealand and excited to be a part of the high performance system, to push myself with, and against, the best in the country, to see how my body adjusts and see how my mind adjusts to see how I can grow as a person in this environment."
Matehaere, who won a coveted red coat at the national championships in February, picked up the oars later in life and spent the club season two years ago racing alongside Lequeux, who tried to pass on her knowledge.
She joined Lequeux during the summer in Cambridge, where Lequeux has been based with Rowing New Zealand since 2023, and they trained under renowned coach Dick Tonks together.
"She had grown a lot from when I had last seen her and she continued to grow all summer as a rower and as a person," Lequeux said.
"After these experiences together, it is beyond special to share this together.
"It’s a bit like taking my child on a trip with me in a situation where we are equals."
But the real hard work starts now preparing for the international season — and it is those tough moments Lequeux is looking forward to the most.
"I am looking forward to the difficult trainings where we have to push ourselves mentally and emotionally.
"I am particularly looking forward to this as I am used to being with one other in the boat — communication is hard enough with one person, nevertheless four, or nine others."
Lequeux, who represented France in two under-23 campaigns in 2018 and 2019, has been selected in the women’s coxless four alongside Waikato rowers Alana Sherman and Isla Blake and Cambridge rower Rebecca Leigh for the world cups.
After Lequeux and Blake missed out on elite teams in 2024 and 2024, they have been rowing together twice a day for the past 13 months and getting the call-up together was special, Lequeux said.
Former Otago University rower Ben Mason, who is now based with Avon, has also been selected for the world cups in the men’s double scull alongside Waikato rower Finn Hamill.
