The men's C-1 1000 metres event was an open-style, individual canoeing event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1972 Summer Olympics program.
Held on September 5, the top three in each heat move on to final with the others were relegated to the semifinal.
Ivan Patzaichin broke his paddle and placed last in his heat.
Yet he managed to finish the race, paddling with a peace of wood that he removed from the floor of his canoe, and was included to the repechage.
Taking place on September 8, the top three finishers advanced to the final.