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Curtis McGrath has failed to win a medal after being narrowly edged out in the va'a 200m race at Vaires-sur-Marne.

Australian team captain Curtis McGrath is remaining philosophical after failing to defend his va'a (VL3) crown and missing the podium altogether. 

McGrath, who a day earlier at Vaires-sur-Marne had won gold in the 200m kayak single final (KL2), finished in fourth place in the 200m va'a race by 0.06secs. 

The 36-year-old had declared before Sunday's final that it was likely to be his last time contesting the single-paddled race, in which he won gold at Tokyo.

If he does return to compete in Los Angeles the former soldier's focus is likely to only be on the kayak race.

"I think the boat itself, for me, is hard work," McGrath said. 

"It would have been really great to be on that podium, and any step I could have achieved, it would have been nice.

"But at the same time, it was one of those things that we worked so hard (for) and got there in the end, and it just wasn't my day.

"I'm still happy with where I am, but it wasn't the send-off I wanted."

"It's obviously a bit disappointing to come away fourth. So close. The race is really hard. It's a really competitive race."

Kiwi Peter Cowan pipped McGrath to the bronze medal while Ukrainian Vladyslav Yepifanov claimed the gold.

Earlier in the day, Australia's Susan Seipel finished in fifth spot in the women's KL2.