Whether it’s nursing each other through injuries or providing support during break-ups, the bond between Erin Routliffe and her sisters – Paralympic swimming medallist Tess and former volleyball player Tara – is unbreakable.
As Erin returns to New Zealand with the intention of playing in the ASB Classic, following her second Grand Slam victory in the US last year, Woman’s Day caught up with her and her sisters for their first-ever interview together.
Since our last chat, Erin, 30, split with the coach she was dating, but is now seeing a lawyer she met through mutual friends.
“We’ve all had our fair share of break-ups,” explains Erin.
“The biggest thing we do is show each other how we deserve to be treated.”
Sisters who share the struggle
Tess, who’s single, says having two sisters to “sit in the pain with” is a gift during hard times.
They’ve also learnt from each other, with Erin noting Tess’ work ethic has been a game-changer.
“Since she was little, she’s enjoyed working hard,” says Kiwi-Canadian Erin.
“I’ve been jealous but tried to learn from it.”
From Canada to New Zealand
Their connection to New Zealand remains strong. The girls’ Canadian parents, Catherine MacLennan and Robert Routliffe, came to Aotearoa after Catherine got pregnant with Erin, during
a world sailing trip. They then welcomed Tara, now 28, and Tess, 27, before returning to Ontario.
There, the trio dabbled in soccer, badminton, dance and gymnastics before Erin settled on tennis, playing her first tournament at 10. Tara, who now works for an educational media company, discovered volleyball and won titles throughout university before bowing out.
Meanwhile, Tess, who was born with dwarfism, began swimming in high school. Finding a sport where height didn’t matter was empowering, especially having been bullied.
Built-in best friends
“As sisters, you have built-in best friends who have to hang with you,” shares Tess.
“So even in the bullying phase, I came home and still had two best friends.”
Tess believes having her sisters treat her like a regular person was pivotal.
“At that age, the most important thing is being the same as everybody,” she tells.
“At school, I felt different, but at home, I was the same. Often with disabilities, people walk on eggshells around you, but I had two people stomping on those shells.”
Empowered to be strong
Tara adds, “We didn’t make exceptions because she was a dwarf. We were like, ‘She’s a person. She can do it herself!’ We were empowering her to have confidence and strength.”
When Tess won silver at the 2016 Paralympics, then silver and bronze at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, a bawling Erin watched on.
“She’s my little sister, but I had so much to look up to in her in that moment,” she recalls.
“Every time she wins, I cry like a baby!”
Reflecting on such highs, Tess says dwarfism has become more an asset than an obstacle.
Grateful for the journey
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me because of the experiences it’s brought me and the people I’ve met,” enthuses Tess, who’s Australia-bound next month for the Para Swimming World Series.
“I’m confident with who I am, so I’m grateful for it.”
Celebrating Erin’s achievements
Meanwhile, Tess couldn’t be prouder of Erin, noting the strain of always being on the road. Erin, who switched from representing Canada to New Zealand in 2017, recently parted ways with tennis partner Gaby Dabrowski after fulfilling their dream of winning multiple US Open doubles titles.
As we went to press, she hoped to play in Auckland with her new partner Asia Muhammad.
“My partnership with Gaby changed my life and I’m so grateful for our friendship,” reveals Erin.
“Now I’m excited to see where this new collaboration goes.”
Sisters, travel and shared passions
Although Tara and Tess, both based in Canada, won’t be joining her in Aotearoa, the trio recently took their first holiday together to Japan, indulging their love for food and travel.
“That’s something we got from our parents and Kiwi heritage,” admits Erin.
“We got bitten by the travel bug.”
Showing up when it matters most
Despite their busy schedules, the sisters are there for each other, like when Tess broke her back and missed the Tokyo Olympics.
“Erin showed up to the hospital and spent days with me,” says Tess.
“I threw up on her face at one point.”
Erin laughs, “Not a glamorous time in my life!”
Tess adds, “Tara took three weeks off and nursed me back.”
Finding her way back to tennis
Meanwhile, after Erin quit tennis amid burnout in 2019, it was Tara who later suggested they head to the court to hit a few balls.
Erin muses, “Who knows what I’d be doing now if it wasn’t for Tara?”
Tara quips, “That was your biggest break-up.”
Erin replies, “We got back together. Toxic ex!”
Laughs Tara, “No, you were meant to be!”
