(UPDATES with quotes)

Ed McKeever of Britain sped to canoe sprint Olympic gold in the men's kayak singles 200 meters event on Saturday.

The 2010 world champion charged into an early lead and never let up to cross the line first in 36.246 seconds.

Saul Craviotto of Spain won a close battle for silver, clocking 36.540, with Mark de Jonge of Canada taking bronze in 36.657.

McKeever, 28, said he was yet to feel the elation of an Olympic gold medalist, when asked what his overriding emotion was.

"Just kind of relief, it sounds kind of stupid, but not elation or all those other things - more relief," he said.

"And I'm just so happy I could do it in front of the home crowd."

Silver medalist Craviotto was satisfied with his effort.

"I'm really happy. I had clear aspirations for a medal and I've achieved it."

Back in bronze, de Jonge said he gave it everything he had.

"That was a hard race. ... I died at the end, but I held on."