A skilful negotiation of the course enabled Florence to claim his first C1 medal for two years as the 2008 Olympic silver medallist crossed the line in just over 100 seconds.

"I'm really pleased to be winning a medal today especially the gold, it's been a long time coming to get a medal again in the C1," he said.

"I've had lots of good runs but just not had them in the finals, so it means a lot to get the gold today.

"I didn't have a perfect run, but it's always tough here in Tacen with the changeable water, and I knew when I crossed the line that I had a chance of coming away with the win.

"It gives me great confidence going into the rest of the season now."

Shaun Pearce, Britain's men's kayak coach, said: "It's still as unpredictable as it's always been; being here and watching David win gold has stirred up some emotion, it's great to see the Brits on top here again."

There was disappointment elsewhere for Campbell Walsh who fell agonisingly short to come fourth in the K1, just 0.41sec off German rival Sebastien Schubert in third.

Walsh said: "I paddled pretty well and am pleased with the fourh place, my final run was a little slower than the semi–final but the others were all the same; that's the nature of the water here.

"I felt good in my boat, and the result shows I am in good shape."

Mallory Franklin also narrowly missed out on a bronze, coming fourth in the women's C1 thanks to a two second penalty.

Jurg Gotz, the team's head coach, said: "Well done to David it was a great performance, with the two fourth as well from Campbell Walsh and Mallory Franklin the morning has been bright for GB Canoeing."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2008: Florence shines brightly in Beijing