Finn Butcher launched his 2026 campaign with victory as the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom season got underway in Mangahao, New Zealand.
The reigning Olympic champion in kayak cross swept to gold in the men’s kayak at the first ICF Ranking Race of the year.
Butcher defeated George Snook and Michel Uhl, who placed second and third respectively for a New Zealand one-two-three.
He completed his winning run with an impressive time of 87.03, with Snook 5.88 behind the champion. Snook edged Uhl by a mere 0.23.
In the women’s K1 final, Martina Wegman, representing New Zealand, was victorious on her competitive return since the birth of her first child, finishing in 99.26. Wegman beat Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Luuka Jones of New Zealand with only 0.78 separating the pair.
Youngster Holly Sheaff took three for a New Zealand clean sweep, completing the run in 114.14, 14.88 seconds behind Jones.
Two-time Olympian Wegman took to social media to announce her comeback.
“Pretty cool to be back on the start line, and a new experience, feeling underprepared and lack of confidence – yet also crazy how fast it is coming back,” Wegman wrote in a post on Instagram.
"Surprisingly took both wins in the Mangahao and New Zealand Open.”
The day saw more success for the younger competitors, as 17-year-old Rosie Rex claimed victory in the women’s canoe with the biggest time margin of the day.
The up-and-coming talent finished with a time of 116.77 seconds, placing a significant gap between herself and compatriot Keira Hodgson who ranked second with 130.02.
Experienced competitor Emily Nagel took third in the ranking race, crossing the line in 141.14, 24.37 from Rex’s impressive finish.
After making history in 2025 by becoming the first New Zealander to secure an individual U23 world medal, Oliver Puchner got off to a positive 2026 campaign, placing first in the men’s C1 final.
Canadian Isaac Zimmerman earned second, finishing 8.57 behind Puchner.
Home paddler Finn Anderson placed third, with 114.14, and rounded off a successful day at the New Zealand Open.
Click here for results from Mangahao
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