The basics
The competitor sits in the kayak and uses a double-bladed paddle.
Competition format
The competition starts with heats. Each athlete runs the course twice and the best of these two scores determines the 15 qualifiers for the semi-finals.
In the semi-final each athlete runs the course once. The top 10 best scores qualify for the final.
The final is one run down the course. The athlete with the best score is the winner.
Find out more about the Women's Kayak Single (K1) competiton at the Olympic Games on the International Olympic Committee website.
