In what proved to be a thrilling spectacle, the Slovaks posted a time of 101.58sec but Czech pair Jonas Kaspar and Marek Sindlek looked as though they would complete the tricky course slightly quicker, only to capsize towards the end of their run.

That left only a handful of competitors who were able to overtake them into gold medal position but all were unsuccessful as the Škantárs prevailed from a close-knit race.

The women's K1 kayak event also proved to be a tense affair as Spain's Maialen Chourraut took gold in 98.65 ahead of Luuka Jones of New Zealand and favourite Jessica Fox of Australia, who led before she was given a retrospective penalty for touching a gate.

The Škantárs were intent on following in the footsteps of compatriots and three-time Olympic champions Pavol and Peter Hochschorner, the Slovakian brothers who clinched the gold medal in the C2 competition in Sydney, Athens and Beijiing.

They gave themselves every chance with their final effort, producing their best when it mattered most, although eventual silver medallists David Florence - who endured a miserable outing during the C1 event on Tuesday (August 9) - and Richard Hounslow of Britain came within 0.43 of their time.

The British pair eventually finished in 102.01, with Frenchmen Guathier Klauss and Matthieu Peche claiming bronze, a further 1.66 adrift.

Reigning world champions Franz Anton and Jan Benzien of Germany ended outside of the medals as they could only manage fourth.

The result for the Slovakian cousins kept up their nation's superb record in the C2 event as they have now secured seven Olympic gold medals in the discipline.

"We are very happy because we have kind of substituted the brothers and that's why the gold was very high to reach for us," Peter Škantár said.

"I am very happy to have my cousin because after all we have been through he has always been a big support to me and I'm really happy to have him in my life."

In the women's K1, Australia's Fox, the world champion at C1, looked to be heading for the Olympic crown before a late penalty dashed her hopes of gold.

Jones was in sensational form, giving herself every chance of winning the title with her run of 101.82, but Spaniard Chourraut proved too strong and ensured she went two better than London 2012, where she left with bronze.