The United States men’s 8 rowing squad snagged fourth place in today’s final at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at Lagoa Stadium.

Featuring Bellevue Christian alum Hans Struzyna, the team finished the race in 5:34.23.

“Proud of you all!” reads the University of Washington rowing Twitter.

Great Britain won the gold (5:29.63), Germany took the silver (5:30.96) and the Netherlands notched the bronze (5:31.59).

Struzyna and teammate Rob Munn both starred for UW and started rowing with the Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA).

Approximately 50 people watched this morning’s event at the SRA boathouse.

Struzyna emailed the Reporter today: “I would like to thank all of the people who supported me throughout this process. This has been a hell of a ride and I couldn’t have done it alone. Girlfriend, family, friends, host families, coaches and teammates alike.

“We put up solid sections of the race, but didn’t do it all the way down the track. That it what it takes to win. Plain and simple. On another day, who knows. But that is what makes the games so special. It is one day every four years and you had better show up on that day.”

The U.S. men’s 8 rowing squad had placed second in heat two on Aug. 8. They had needed a top-four finish to qualify for the final.

“It is a great honor to row in the Grand Final of the men’s eight. Since I was a junior rower, I always fantasized about competing in the A final, and now I have that opportunity. We went out today with an intent to improve from our heat, and we did just that,” Struzyna said before the final.