The silver for the New Zealand women’s eight means a second medal in two days for Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast, who won gold in the women’s pair yesterday.
The Canada team in the end proved too good for the favoured New Zealand women's eight and took out the gold.
Earlier Twigg has smashed the Olympic record to claim gold
After a commanding performance in her semifinal yesterday, Twigg led pretty much from the start and eased to victory over the Russian Olympic Committee's Hanna Prakatsen and Austria's Magdalena Lobnig.
Twigg won in an Olympic best time of 7m 13.97s, blitzing the field. Prakatsen took silver in 7m 17.39 and Lobnig 7m 19.72s.
Twigg held a small lead at 500m, and turned that into a commanding one at the halfway mark.
Prakatsen overcame a slow start to move through the field but was unable to chase Twigg down with her trademark strong finish.
Lost for words
Twigg was in disbelief following her win.
"I can't believe it. Crossing the line I was in disbelief.
"I didn't actually hear the hooter but I'm just lost for words. So many disappointments over the years but I need to thank my team. Just lost for words.
"I think it's going to take some time to sink in. I feel like this is fate. It's an amazing feeling.
"I felt pretty comfortable and knew my times were good through early rounds. It's going to be a pretty special day.
"To my beautiful wife, I'm a very lucky girl. It's a dream come true."
In her fourth A final at an Olympics, Twigg, 34, now has sixth, fourth, fourth and this victory beside her name.
The men's eight are set to follow soon after the women's eight.
- ODT Online and NZ Herald
