After a long wait, Canada's Katie Vincent was declared the winner in the women's single canoe 200m sprint.

Vincent won the gold medal in the end by just a hundredth of a sec over American Nevin Harrison who had claimed the gold in Tokyo but missed another one in Paris.

Vincent said at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium that it was a "crazy couple of minutes" to wait. "I was excited. I knew I did well, so I felt proud of myself for giving it my all. To see your name on the list is pretty amazing."

Harrison's disappointment was evident, but she showed grace towards her opponent.

Sprints are racing sports. It's less than a blink, yes, but it's still a lot. The 22-year old from Seattle explained that it's always by measurements you can't see.

"And is it just? It's not always fair, but that's the way it is. I think we can't fault ourselves because everyone gave it their all. I'm very proud of them.

Harrison said that she injured her neck ligaments, but she was still a fraction behind Vincent who had recorded the world's best time of 44.12 second for this event.

"I am incredibly happy for you. It's the greatest accomplishment I have ever seen. Harrison added: "I'm proud of myself too, because I recorded that time.

Vincent found it worth the wait to confirm her victory.

"I just wanted to take in the moment, and I know that the Olympics are all about big moments." She said that she just wanted to "go out there and have a great race, have an amazing experience and come away feeling positive at the end."

"I felt that way when I crossed the finish line and then I got gold. That was extra special." (Reporting and editing by Christian Radnedge. Editing by Philip O'Connor)

(source: Reuters)