Janine Hanson
Quick Facts
Biography
Janine Stephens (née Hanson; December 14, 1982) is a former Canadian rower from Winnipeg on the Canadian National team. Stephens won the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as part of the women's eights rowing team. She also has two World Championship silver medals to her credit, also in the women's eights.
Career
Her career began as a sculler for Canada and her first major international competition came at the 2008 Summer Olympics. There, she finished in 8th place in the women's quad sculls. Stephens then transitioned to the sweep from the scull, she had not rowed in the sweeping technique since her early college days. This led to her finding success at the 2010 World Rowing Championships, she won a silver medal in the women's eight. She won the silver medal again in the women's eight 2011 World Rowing Championships. Stephens final competition was during the 2012 Olympic Games as the bow seat in the 8+. Her success in the women's eights ensured her seat at the 2012 Summer Olympics, there at the Eton Lake Rowing Centre she and then rest of the Canadian crew finished in the silver medal position behind the U.S. boat.
Personal
Stephens was born in the United States to Canadian parents, her parents returned to Winnipeg when she was two years old. She grew up in Winnipeg and trained for the national team in London, Ontario. Stephens has now retired from competitive rowing, returned to Winnipeg, and was married February 16, 2013. She has a degree in movement science from the University of Michigan. Upon retiring from competitive rowing, Stephens became the spokesperson for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Commission.