Australia have snatched the gold medal in the men's kayak four 1,000m, while pre-race favourites Hungary managed to secure silver.

The Australian quartet were the quickest out of the blocks following an initial false start by the Hungarians at Eton Dorney.

The Aussies were pushed by Slovakia and Hungary, who won silver in the world championships last year, in the opening half of the race.

As the competitors reached the 250m mark the Australians took the lead by half a length and secured the top honour with ease, while the Czech Republic performed a late surge to nab bronze.