In the women’s final, the race favourites strived throughout to catch early leaders Canada and looked like a gold medal was possible 400 metres from the finish, but the Canadian eight held on to win by just 0.91 seconds.
It was just the second time in New Zealand’s history that the country has entered a women’s eight since the event was first held in 1976, over a shortened course. The NZ women’s eight debuted in Rio five years ago and finished just outside the medals.
Sky Sport
Celebration time! Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast triumph in the women's pair in Tokyo.