Emma Twigg has won New Zealand's fifth medal at Tokyo Olympics

Rower Emma Twigg has won New Zealand's fifth medal of the Tokyo Olympics after claiming gold in the women's single scull today.

Twigg won gold after sprinting away to claim victory in 7.13.97, with ROC's Hanna Prakatsen winning silver at 7.17.39 and Austria's Magdalena Lobnig in third at 7.19.72.

Today's medal marks Twiggs first time on the podium on her fourth Olympic attempt - after two fourth-placed efforts in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

The 34-year-old arrived in Japan on a mission, after returning to the sport, following a two-year hiatus away from the sport following the Rio Olympics.

That period made her realise how much she missed the sport, as well as the obvious sense of unfinished business.

Congratulations Emma!