There have been many epic battles that have gripped spectators during the 2025 International Canoe Federation season. None more so than the titanic all-British duel between Sam Wilson and Alex Edwards, which is the next of our moments of 2025.
“It’s a moment in time that you will remember forever, it’s never going to go”. These words from Sam Wilson are hard to argue with after witnessing his sensational showdown with Alex Edwards.
The International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany, was cut short due to low water levels.
But the battle between Wilson and Edwards in the men’s squirt final will be the abiding memory from this event as the two British paddlers put on an awesome show.
There was nothing between them. It could have gone either way as spectators were put on the edge of their seats.
Edwards led with a score of 2,596.67 points before boosting his total to 2,820.00 with his final ride.
After finishing second in 2017, 2019, and 2022, Edwards appeared to be closing in on winning his first world title.
But Wilson had other ideas as he pulled off a stunning performance when it mattered most.
With Edwards nervously watching on, Wilson put together a wonderful routine before submerging for a 19-second mystery move.
This saw Wilson emerge victorious with a record-breaking score of 3,246.67.
“There are a lot of emotions, there is a lot of joy and a lot of relief too. That was so much fun to be a part of,” said Wilson.
“Absolutely superb from Alex, I have never seen such beautiful paddling. It was a masterclass.
“I wanted to get those 3,000 points, and when I hit the floor of the river instead of getting scared, I just kept telling myself to stay there, and that was it.”
It was hard not to get caught up in the drama of the final as Wilson celebrated in style. Even Great Britain’s Ottilie Robinson-Shaw could not keep a lid on her emotions before going on to clinch the women’s squirt crown.
“I absolutely cried my eyes out,” said Robinson-Shaw on Wilson’s victory.
“I have never cried just before a final, and I felt all the emotions as Sam is one of my best friends.
“So to put out a good first ride like that and an even better second ride, I feel happy and proud of my team.”
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