Women compete for only 9 gold medals as they race in kayak events only.

Women still only compete in kayak events despite lobbying over the years to get the International Canoe Federation to change its rules.

Dana Chladek, a 25-year-old Dartmouth graduate who had been considered the best in the world, won the silver medal in the women's kayak event.

Canada will provide stiff competition in the kayak events.

The Top Contenders Among the top race contenders are Greg Barton, a four-time Olympic medalist in flat-water kayak events.

The men's competition consisted of four kayak events.

One kayak event was held for the women.

- As GB's top female sprint canoeist, Rachel Cawthorn has the chance of a medal in the 500m kayak single event at Eton Dorney (£35-£95)

The men's competition consisted of three Canadian (single paddle, open boat) and seven kayak events.

It also marked some changes in which the folding kayak events were replaced by standard kayaks for the men's and women's events.