Red-hot Zwolinska wins again in Sydney as Castryck crowned K1 king

ICFmedia

3 October 2025

Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska completed a sensational canoe-kayak double and Titouan Castryck ensured more French success at the International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships in Sydney, Australia.

A little over 24 hours after winning her first world title with women’s C1 success, Zwolinska produced another dream run to seal women’s K1 gold.

The Pole becomes only the second paddler to win both events at a World Championships, with Australia’s Jessica Fox doing the double in both 2014 and 2018.

Both Zwolinska and Castryck won silver in the event at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris, but they made sure they came out on top on this occasion.

Castryck, the 21-year-old French star, turned his fantastic form this season into a world crown in the men’s K1 in Sydney.

Click here for live startlists and results from Sydney

The home fans were also celebrating at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium for a second day in a row.

Kate Eckhardt secured her place on the podium with bronze, and Australia almost got another medal only for a two-second penalty to see Lucien Delfour narrowly miss out.

Before arriving in Sydney, Zwolinska had won one individual and one teams medal at the World Championships.

But she can now lay claim to being a double world champion after an unforgettable two days and has a chance of winning a third in Saturday’s kayak cross.

Klaudia Zwolinska Poland Sydney 2025 canoe slalom golds

Boosted by her stunning victory in the C1 on Thursday, Zwolinska was on fire as she navigated each gate with precision in an assured display.

Zwolinska crossed the finish line in a time of 100.32 before waiting for the final four paddlers to come down the course.

It could have been a different result had Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods not incurred a two-second penalty.

Woods clocked the fastest raw time only for a gate touch to see her finish on 102.09, just 1.77 behind Zwolinska.

“I don't know what to say,” said Zwolinska.

“Like I said, K1 has always been my goal because it's the category that I feel the most confident in.

“I knew it was possible to get a second medal because Jess Fox has done it.

“She has always been my inspiration.

“When I was younger, my goal was to follow her path.

“I have seen that she has won many medals in one championship before. So I thought ‘I can do it too’.”

Titouan Castryck France K1 Sydney 2025 canoe slalom celebrate

After a brilliant bronze from Kaylen Bassett on Thursday, Australia were able to celebrate another medal when Eckhardt clinched bronze.

Eckhardt, who ranked 10th in the semi-finals to qualify for the finals, pulled off a superb run for a time of 103.84 to seal third spot, edging out Germany’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Ricarda Funk who ranked fourth with 104.23.

France have been enjoying a fantastic World Championships – and Castryck delivered his nation’s fourth title in as many days.

Czechia’s Jakub Krejci cranked up the heat on Castryck when he posted a time of 92.27 to move in front. But the Frenchman responded in superb style.

Castryck, who was the last to go after topping the semi-finals, bagged gold in 90.81 after a storming final section to beat Krejci.

“Winning gold here is a dream,” said Castryck.

“Even though I had an exceptional season, it was at the World Championships that I needed to deliver – that's where it really counts.

“That’s where the federation evaluates us, where everyone is assessed from all sides. It’s done now, so it’s perfect.

“The feeling was pretty special – I didn’t necessarily think I’d go for this title in terms of sensations, but in the end, it was enough.”

Reigning European champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist Jiri Prskavec joined fellow Czech Krejci on the podium with a time of 92.34.

New Zealand’s Finn Butcher missed out on a medal by just 0.13, while Delfour’s raw time would have seen him finish second but a touch on the penultimate gate saw him post 92.96 for fifth.

Results

Men’s Kayak