Czech Republic’s Jiri Prskavec wins gold in men’s kayak slalom

Minutes after winning gold Czech Republic’s Jiri Prskavec was on the phone, presumably to family to let them know he is now Olympic champion. The two-time world champion in the individual event completed the kayak slalom course in 91.63, ahead of Slovakia’s Jakub Grigar (94.85) and Germany’s Hannes Aigner (97.11).

Prskavec would have been Olympic champion in Rio if he hadn’t had one penalty deduction but made no mistake this time, completing both his semi-final and final runs in the quickest times. Heading down the course last in the final, as Australia’s Jessica Fox did in the women’s final yesterday, he held his nerve to come through to win, a massive 3.22s ahead of second-placed Grigar.

The Slovakian, who came fifth in Rio, won the first-ever Olympic medal in kayak slalom for his nation, continuing his good form this year having won the last World Cup before the Games.

Germany’s experienced paddler Hannes Aigner was a bronze medallist at London 2012, and fourth in Rio, so he’ll be pleased to be back on the podium.