The 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships have kicked off in Sydney, Australia – a venue steeped in history for paddlesport. It was on this very course, 25 years ago at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, that canoe slalom first captured the imagination of fans across Australasia. Now, a generation later, New Zealand’s best return to the same waters for what feels almost like a “home world champs.”

This year’s Championships mark the final stop on the international racing calendar, and the Kiwi team of nine athletes are determined to finish the season on a high. 

New Zealand Squad – Sydney 2025

• Finn Butcher – Olympic Kayak Cross Champion

• Nick Collier – World Championships debutant

• George Snook

• Courtney Williams

• Rosie Rex – World Championships debutant

• Kahlia Cullwick – World Championships debutant

• Finn Anderson – World Championships debutant

• Oliver Puchner

Follow our socials to keep up with racing schedules and results.

Article added: Wednesday 01 October 2025