The first recorded competitive canoe sprint race took place at the British Royal Canoe Club in 1869. Canoe and kayak races feature on the Olympic Games programme, each with its own specific rules.

At the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Lewis emulated his boyhood idol Jesse Owens by winning gold in the 100m, the 200m, the long jump and the 4x100m relay. A superstar was born. At the 1988 Seoul Games, ...