Perfect run seals silver in canoes for Britain

Britain celebrated another medal today after canoeist David Florence paddled his way to a silver.

His success brought Britain its fourth medal of the Beijing Games. Florence, 26, completed a perfect run to take the lead in the slalom event - then watched in agony as the last competitor beat his time. But it was Britain's first slalom canoeing medal since Gareth Marriott won silver at Barcelona in 1992.

Nottingham University student Florence, from Edinburgh, said: "I am absolutely delighted that I put in a good final run in the pressure of a big final. It was the most exciting time to do it.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking watching the guys follow, but I was happy I had done a good run and
that was all that I could do. I was fourth going into the final, so I knew I was in the mix.

"The thing with slalom canoeing is there's one opportunity to do it, one opportunity not to make mistakes."

He added: "A medal is what I have been after for the last four years."