WINDSOR, England (AP) — The 200-meter canoe sprint had its Olympic debut Friday, and it made quite a splash.

Under sunny skies with a Union Jack-waving crowd roaring, Britain's Ed McKeever proved he was the world's fastest kayaker and a strong contender to win the regatta's first gold medal.

British media have dubbed him the "Usain Bolt on Water," and McKeever will head into the final of the marquee K-1 as the quickest competitor over the heats and semifinals.

World champion Piotr Siemionowski of Poland was eliminated in the semis.

Canoeing officials replaced the 500-meter race with the 200-meter sprint to help their sport move out from rowing's shadow.