Since the Soviet-era state was split into constituent parts in 1993, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia have been successful in canoeing.

BBC: Cheering on the Olympic underdogs

Six gold medals were decided in canoeing, with Attila Vajda of Hungary winning the men's 1, 000 meter singles in 3:50.46, taking a step up on the podium after his bronze four years ago in Athens.

CNN: France win BMX gold as Briton Reade crashes

Steve Wall, 48, died in a separate canoeing accident in the River Teme near Ludlow.

BBC: Tribute to 'brilliant' canoeist Dave Smith