Walsh and Florence move on

Both Walsh, in the single kayak slalom event, and Florence, in the canoe, will return after two runs of heats.

A sensational second run sent canoeist Florence into the semi-final in buoyant mood.

A first run time of 89.47 seconds, with no penalties, left Florence in the middle of the pack. But on his second foray down the whitewater course he posted a blistering 82.16 to finish the day as third fastest qualifier.

His second run time was the second fastest of the day in either the canoe or the simultaneous kayak event.

"It's great to have a good run," said Florence. "I'm pretty confident for (the semi-final) tomorrow now.

"My first run didn't go to plan, but I was much stronger the second time around.

"It's quite a straightforward course but on the first run I took three massive hits on the big waves and it cost me time."

In the kayak, Walsh qualified ninth fastest overall, following his first run of 84.72, plus a two second penalty, with a time of 85.72.

"I paddled really well and I was shocked to be in 14th place after the first run," he said. "I definitely think that if I paddle well I can go on and get a medal.

"In the semi-finals it's a case of giving it your all but not doing anything silly. It's a balancing act, as trying anything too risky will blow it."

With the slalom organisers set to re-arrange the course before the semi-final, Florence and Walsh face a whole new set of challenges on Tuesday.

"It will be much more technical, and it's already very hard water," said Florence. "Tomorrow it is likely to be even harder."