The 26-year-old, who is a two-time reigning world champion, clinched her first Olympic gold with an impressive time of 7 minutes 17.28 seconds, narrowly beating New Zealand's Twigg, who finished with a time of 7:19.14.

The race was intense, with Florijn showcasing her exceptional skill and endurance to surpass Twigg, the defending Olympic champion. Twigg had been a formidable competitor, but Florijn's determination and technique proved unbeatable on the day.

In a historic moment for Lithuania, Viktorija Senkute won the bronze medal with a time of 7:20.85, marking the country's first-ever rowing medal. Senkute's achievement is a significant milestone for Lithuanian rowing and adds to the excitement of this year's Olympic events.

Florijn's victory is part of a family legacy of rowing excellence. Her brother, Finn Florijn, also tasted Olympic success earlier this week by winning gold in the quadruple sculls. 

Their father, Ronald Florijn, is a two-time Olympic champion, having secured gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Florijn family's accomplishments highlight a remarkable dynasty in the sport of rowing, with each generation continuing to build on the legacy of the last.

The Florijn family's ongoing success in rowing is a testament to their dedication, training, and passion for the sport. Karolien's gold medal not only represents her individual achievement but also celebrates the collective triumphs and hard work of her family. This victory in the women's single sculls is sure to inspire future generations of rowers, both within her family and around the world.