Rowing pair secure first gold medal

Their historic victory in the women's pairs came in front of 25,000 screaming supporters at Eton Dorney.

After crossing the finish line, Stanning and Glover – the world silver medallists – saluted the crowd and hugged each other with joy.

They led the race from the start, beating Australia, who took silver and New Zealand – who pipped them for gold in the world championships – who were third yesterday.

Later Stanning, a captain in the Royal Artillery and a member of the army rowing team, said she was "absolutely shattered and absolutely ecstatic all at the same time".

She added: "Four years ago I committed to trying to reach the Olympic Games, and now here I am. It's been an incredible last three years, and I have to say the biggest thank you to everyone who's supported me.

"I'm overwhelmed by all the support and the excitement, and it means so much to me and Helen. We really wanted to come here and put together the best race we could. We just wanted to row our own race and be technically in charge. I hope everyone enjoyed the show."

Stanning's parents Mary and Tim travelled from Lossiemouth to watch their daughter compete in the event and last night said they were overjoyed to see her win gold. Mrs Stanning added: "We are thrilled. It's totally surreal and utterly amazing.

"It was just a huge relief when they crossed the line, because even though you know they can do it, there are so many things that can go wrong before they get there. We're all immensely proud of her."

David Cameron paid tribute to the rowers while in Northern Ireland as part of a UK-wide tour to promote the Olympics.

The Prime Minister said: "I just wanted to say how delighted I am about Helen and Heather's gold medal in the rowing. An absolutely fantastic effort."

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore added: "Heather and Helen deserve huge admiration for their dedication and grit in getting across the line first and winning our first gold medal in this Olympics. It is a great achievement and the fact one of Team GB's gold medallists is a Scot is something the whole of the country can be proud of."

Stanning, who now lives in Reading, is a former pupil of Gordonstoun school in Moray, where Prince Charles and Zara Philips were educated.

She trained at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and is based at Larkhill barracks, near Salisbury, but has been on special leave since 2010 to prepare for the Olympics.

Her former school principal at Gordonstoun, Simon Reid, said: "Heather has achieved at the highest level and I am immensely proud of her. To be chosen to represent your country is a huge achievement, but to win a medal is the icing on the cake."

Her former PE teacher, Richard Devey, said: "Heather was a very powerful all-round, natural athlete. She was very hard working and always had a huge smile on her face. She still holds some school athletic records.

"It is no surprise to me that she has done so well at the Olympics – she was always destined to go far in the sporting world."

Her army comrades in Afghanistan cheered her on during the race.

The Olympian's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Craig Palmer, said: "We are delighted with Heather's win. I wish to congratulate Heather and Helen on their success; it was an excellent achievement.

"Soldiers from 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery were thrilled to watch the race from their bases in Afghanistan, while their friends and families watched it here in the UK.

"I am sure that they have been inspired by her performance and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Regiment later this year. I know that she is keen to deploy with her soldiers to Helmand in 2013."

Lee Boucher, high performance co-ordinator for Scottish Rowing, said: "It's good to see a Scottish rower involved in the first gold medal. I hope it will encourage more people in Scotland to take up the sport."

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead congratulated Stanning and her family. He said: "It is fantastic that a local Lossie quine has been part of the duo that has won Team GB's first gold medal. The preparation and determination required to win is just huge and their top placing is the thoroughly deserved culmination of that."

Locals in her hometown were delighted to see her take gold.

Graham Fleming, manager of the Beach Bar in Lossiemouth said there were cheers as she crossed the finish line.

He said: "It's amazing. It just shows it takes someone from Lossie to get Great Britain on the medals board. Our punters raised a glass or two."

Rosie Spence, manager of the Skerry Brae bar, added: "This is fantastic. It certainly puts Lossiemouth on the map. It's great news for her and the town."

Stanning and Glover were both spotted by the same coach, Paul Stannard, three years apart but only came together as a team in 2010.