Liam Heath wins Olympic canoeing gold in men's K1 200 metres
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 20/08/16 1:56pm
Liam Heath has added to Great Britain's Olympic gold medal haul by winning the men's K1 200 metres in Rio.
The 25-year-old sprint canoeist, who claimed a silver medal alongside Jon Schofield in the men's 200m kayak double earlier in the week, was the fastest qualifier for the final at Lagoa.
He made a flying start from lane five, although he was headed by Frenchman Maxime Beaumont in lane four in the early stages of the race.
However, Heath powered into the lead just past the halfway stage and crossed the line in front in a time of 35.197 seconds to earn Team GB's 25th gold at the Games.
Beaumont secured the silver in 35.362, with Spain's Saul Craviotto Rivero third in 35.662.
Heath, who also won a bronze with Schofield at London 2012, said: "I've got the set now, bronze in London, silver and gold here, it's incredible.
"I had an inkling [I had won when I crossed the line], but you're so focused on your lane and those white blocks at the finish point that you blank everything out.
"When they've looked at the photo finish and put your name up on the board, that's when you know and it starts to sink in."
