When Emma and Hayley Watkins were running to the Amazing Race Australia finish line in Kuala Lumpur, they were welcomed with the cheers of locals, and did not know that they would be part of a unique and historic end.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The second to arrive at the Malaysian final stop, they were confused when they were stopped by competitors Darren McMullen and Tristan Dougan, who said all three teams should end it together.
Overcome with emotions and along with Alli and Angie Simpson, they all jumped on the mat at the same time and declared as the winners, splitting $100,000 for their chosen charities.
It is the first time three teams have walked away as winners on the show.
The sisters said they made a "pact" earlier in the celebrity race to split the money if they made it to the end, but did not realise Darren and Tristan made that decision.
"So when we heard them say that, we were just both so overwhelmed with emotion," Hayley said.
"We're just so grateful that they had the same thought."
The former Wiggle and model and actor competed for the Leonie Jackson Memorial Fund, which was established by Deaf Connect to provide bilingual education.
"We're so excited that they will benefit from these funds and that means that so many children will have access to resources that they may not have had in the past," Emma said.
Throughout their journey, they have signed with locals, which is at the heart of the children's entertainer's character Emma Memma, where the sisters have toured across Australia.
Another highlight for the performers was the chance to connect with people through dancing and language, such as learning a song in Khemer at a floating school in Cambodia.
"...it really didn't feel like we were on the race and that we were just visiting a school as what we would normally do you know here in Australia," Emma said.
While there were many highs, curveballs were also thrown their way.
For Hayley, it was being faced with tarantulas that she had to fry and eat, and having a python draped around her - but she was glad to face those fears.
The experience also taught them about how far they could push themselves for a worthy cause, as well as about each other.
It became clear as they travelled from one location to the next, their sisterly bond was a strength.
"I think we realized throughout as well how similar we actually are," Hayley said.
"I don't think we realise we're literally the carbon cut out of a lot of things that we do the same way."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Another show that has piqued their interest is Dancing with the Stars, with the idea of them entering as a duo crossing their minds.
You can catch up and watch the Amazing Race on 10 Play.