Defending champion Germany won the gold medal in the women's kayak four (K4) 500m at the Beijing Olympics with a result of one minute and 32.231 seconds on Friday.

The German paddlers took the lead at first and maintained the advantage till the end of the race. They were followed by Hungary with a result of 1:32.971 and Australia with a result of 1:34.704.

Germany is one of the two powerhouses in flatwater races. The other is Hungary.

"I wear a gold necklace with a Chinese dragon on it. I think it can bring good luck to me. I am very happy with my result. I come for the gold medal and I feel super," German paddler Katrin Wagner-Augustin told Xinhua in the mixed zone.

Kayak paddlers of Germany celebrate after winning the Kayak four (K4) 500m women final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, August 22, 2008. The team of Germany clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 1:32.231.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)