Canada won a total of eight medals at the 2011 Pan American Games regatta, held in Guzman, Mexico.
The first medal of the day for Canada was a silver in the women's quad. Canada's time was 6:37.68. Argentina won in 6:34.46, and the U.S. took bronze 6:39.36.
The quad is Audra Vair of Creemore, ON, Elizabeth McCord of Toronto, ON, Melanie Kok of St. Catharines, ON, and Isolda Penney of Kingston, ON.
"It was a very strong race and I think we did the best we could today," said Vair, who also won bronze in the women's double (with McCord) at this Pan Am Games. "It's so satisfying. It's the first time I've been to a games like this and to go away with two medals is an elating experience."
The men's eight was also second in 5:41.01, with the U.S. winning in 5:39.32, and Argentina a very close third in 5:41.77.
"The race was kind of bittersweet, we really wanted to go for gold," said Kai Langerfeld, a double Pan Am medalist (another silver in the men's four) who is rowing in his first major international competition. "Overall, it's been an amazing experience - it's not just my first major international regatta, it's also a games - so I've been taking it all in."
The eight is Steven Van Knotsenburg of Beamsville, ON, Peter McClelland of Aurora/King City, ON, Spencer Crowley of Lantzville, BC, Blake Parsons of Toronto, ON, David Wakulich of St. Catharines, ON, Kai Langerfeld of Parksville, BC, Benjamin de Wit of Nakusp, BC, Joshua Morris of Victoria, BC, and coxswain Mark Laidlaw of Mississauga, ON.
"We thought we had it in us to win gold, but overall it was a good effort," said team veteran Steven Van Knotsenburg, also a double medal winner. "It was fun to row with a new group of guys, it keeps it fresh."
Also today, in the B final of the men's single event, Mike Braithwaite of Duncan, B.C. was first, or seventh overall.
Canada's lightweight men's four was fifth overall this morning in 6:13.53. Cuba won in 6:06.06. This crew is Terence McKall of Edmonton, AB, Travis King of Grimsby, ON, Eric Woelfl of St. Catharines, ON, and Derek Vinge of Fernie, BC.
Overall, Canadian rowers bring home three silver and five bronze medals at these games. Canada was tied for second in overall medal count with the U.S. and Argentina. Cuba was first in medal count.
Canada's athletes and coaches return to Canada tomorrow. In addition to the team of athletes, coaches, and support staff - Canada had several officials participating in this regatta.