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Men's canoe sprint C-1 1000 metres at the Games of the XVII Olympiad
The competition was held over four rounds: heats, repechages, semifinals, and a final. Nobody was eliminated in the heats; the top three canoeists in each of the two heats advanced to the semifinals while all others who competed moved to the repechages. With only 13 competitors entering, this put seven canoeists in the repechages. There were two repechage heats, with the top three in each heat advancing to the semifinals—and only one canoeist eliminated. The semifinals consisted of three heats of four boats each, with the top three in each advancing to the final and only the fourth-place finisher eliminated. Thus, the first three rounds of competition narrowed the field only from 13 to nine boats.
Results
Heats
Fifteen competitors were entered, but only 13 competed on August 26. The top three finishers in both heats advanced in the semifinals while the others went to the repechages.
Wallechinsky, David and Jaime Loucky (2008). "Canoeing: Men's Canadian Singles 1000 Meters". In The complete Book of the Olympics: 2008 Edition. London: Aurum Press Limited. p. 480.