The Ferland-et-Boilleau, Que., native finished in one minute 24.650 seconds in his Olympic debut.
John-Henry Krueger of the U.S., took silver while Seo Yira of South Korea collected bronze.
Girard, 21, had finished fourth in his semifinal but advanced when fellow Canadian Charles Hamelin of Sainte-Julie, Que., was assessed a penalty.
Girard finished just off the podium earlier in the Games in the 1,500.
More coming.
