The 2011 world champion recorded the third fastest time in the semi-finals by finishing in 1min 28.06sec, with only Spain’s Ander Elosegi and Germany’s Sideris Tasiadis going faster.

It meant he would be the third from last to take to the start in the final, with Slovakia's Matej Benus setting the fastest time of the early stages of the event in 1:35.02.

Gargaud Chanut produced an excellent run under pressure, avoiding picking up any penalties, to take the lead on 1:34.17.

The 29-year-old then watched as Elosegi, the fourth place finisher at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, and Tasiadis produced error-strewn runs to finish outside of the medals.

Gargaud Chanut’s victory saw him win France’s fourth C1 men’s Olympic gold, with the last three having gone to Estanguet, who retired after his success at London 2012.

The International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission member and International Canoe Federation vice-president was on hand to present his countryman with his Olympic medal.

"It was a very great moment for him to bring me this medal because there is a sort of transfer between us," said Gargaud Chanut.

“It has always been presented to me that I was inheriting from the family of Estanguet because he did a lot of good things in the canoe slalom family."

Benus, the silver medallist, continued Slovakia’s stunning record in the event at the Olympics, with the country having claimed a medal at each of the last six Games.

Japan’s Takuya Haneda made history by winning his country’s first Olympic canoeing medal.

World champion David Florence of Britain ended last after striking two gates during his run.

Tomorrow is due to see the men’s K1 competition take place until its conclusion.