Winnipeg Olympic rower Janine Hanson won an Olympic silver medal this morning and couldn't contain her enthusiasm.

The 29-year-old's medal came in the final of the women's eight at the Games in London. The U.S. won gold and the Netherlands captured bronze.

"Oh, it feels amazing. You know, it was a really hard-fought race and obviously everyone steps out with their sights on gold, but that American crew is a phenomenal crew and they held us off right to the finish line," Hanson said after the race.

"But silver is a pretty great feeling."

The Americans also won gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing, when Canada was fourth.

Hanson's parents, Greg and Mary Hanson, said a family celebration for Janine was expected to take place later Thursday in London.

"It's a celebration out here and we are absolutely elated with the women's performance in the eight today with their silver medal," Greg Hanson said.

Winnipeg rowers watch race

Fellow rowers gathered at the Winnipeg Rowing Club to watch Hanson's team race at 6:30 a.m. CT.

Among those in the cheering crowd was Delores Young, who competed in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics.

A crowd gathered at the Winnipeg Rowing Club to watch the race on Thursday morning. (Sean Kavanagh/CBC)

"I know how close the Netherlands were to them, but I thought no one is going to pass the Canadians in the last 250 [metres] and that was so exciting. Chasing down the Americans, though, I love it," Young said.

Ralph Penner, who once coached Hanson at the Winnipeg club, described her as an inspiration for younger rowers.

"It's good for the junior program — to see someone who's come through our junior program and go to the top of the world stage — to continue to inspire them and keep them going," he said.

Hanson said she knew her supporters would be cheering her on.

"Oh, it's so nice. I knew they were gathering there and it's just wonderful to know that everyone's behind us every step of the way and Canada's with us," she said.

"They were with us in the race and they were with us on the medal podium."

The women's eight achievement matched that of their male counterparts a day earlier.

The Canadian men's eight team won silver, finishing behind Germany, on Wednesday.

With files from The Canadian Press