Joe Clarke produces the race of his life to win gold for Team GB
Joe Clarke has won Great Britain's second gold medal of Rio 2016 by triumphing in the men's K1 canoe slalom final.
After the agony of David Florence's last-placed finish on Tuesday, British kayaker Clarke lit up a gloomy Whitewater Stadium with the race of his life.
Clarke not only won Britain's first Olympic medal in the men's K1 since Campbell Walsh at Athens 2004 but secured gold in a time of 88.53 seconds.
GOOOOLLLD! Congratulations @joeclarkek1!
Amazing final run!#BringOnTheGreat#GOLD#CanoeSlalom#Rio2016pic.twitter.com/fYzwcU6xxb— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 10, 2016
"I just can't really put it into words. I'm just so made up," said a jubilant Clarke.
"I have so many amazing memories of this sport and this just tops all of them in one day."
Clarke admitted his new status as Olympic canoe slalom champion was one to savour.
He said: "It has a nice ring to it. Everything pieced together so nicely. I have spent a lot of time here, I know this course like the back of my hand and it has paid off. There has been lots of ups and downs but it is just fantastic.
"When I woke up I struggled to have breakfast I was so nervous with all the emotions. I thought if it goes to plan I could come away with a medal but to be Olympic champion it is something you dream about."
