The 24-year-old had posted the fastest time on the Barcelona 1992 Olympic course during the semi-final stages of the competition, crossing the line in a time of 1min 53.07sec.

Despite picking up two penalty points in the final, the Spaniard finished in a time of 1:53.74 to claim the gold medal.

Miren Lazkano made it a Spanish one-two after completing the final 5.26sec behind her team-mate, while Australia’s Noemie Fox finished in 1:59.98 to earn bronze.

“I’m so happy winning here on my home course, it’s so special,” said Vilarrubla.

“I used to hand out the medals and now I’m the one receiving one it means so much.

“Especially with Miren next to me, she is the one that pushes me every day so I’m happy for us both.”

Slovakia’s Alexander Slafkovsky emerged as the victor in the men’s C1 class for the second time at the venue, after clocking 1:37.25.

A clean run had proved crucial to his triumph, with France’s Denis Gargaud Chanut picking up a two-point penalty to end in a time of 1:38.64 to win silver.

Bronze was earned by the Czech Republic’s Vitezslav Gebas, who finished in a time of 1:40.79.

Gebas’ compatriot Vit Prindis was able to celebrate gold in the men’s K1 competition after completing the course in 1:31.85.

Slovakia’s Jakub Grigar and double world champion Peter Kauzer of Slovenia completed the podium positions by finishing in 1:32.02 and 1:32.18 respectively.