Czechia and France completed a canoe-kayak teams double, while Japan made history on a dramatic day of racing at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships in Sydney, Australia. 

Gabriela Satkova secured her second gold in as many days as Czechia followed up their C1 teams gold on Tuesday with K1 teams success on Wednesday. 

There was also more joy for the French men’s team as their kayakers backed up the canoeists with another world crown. 

But it was only by the narrowest of margins, winning by 0.06 to deny the Japanese men’s team a sensational gold. 

Although agonisingly close to glory, Japan still celebrated the country’s first-ever medal at the World Championships with silver. 

Click here for live startlists and results from Sydney

After guiding the Czechs to C1 team glory, Satkova was back in a K1 boat helping two more teammates to a world title. 

This time, Satkova combined superbly with Lucie Nesnidalova and Antonie Galuskova to triumph in a time of 103.22. 

Like in Tuesday’s C1 teams final, Czechia won by around three and a half seconds as they swept to K1 teams victory. 

It was the first time since 2015 that Czechia came out on top when the great Stepanka Hilgertova starred.  

“We were pretty tight in some upstreams, especially the last one - me and Antonie didn't know if we were going to hit each other or not,” said Satkova.  

“Luckily, it all went okay, and it was actually fast in the end, so I'm really happy we took that risk and it brought us gold at the World Championships.  

“I think that's amazing.” 

Ricarda Funk, Elena Lilik and Emily Apel delivered silver for Germany after crossing in 106.48. 

The bronze medal went to Slovenia after Eva Alina Hocevar, Ajda Novak and Lea Novak finished in 107.73. 

Japan almost pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Championships history after a stunning performance in the men’s K1 teams final. 

Yusuke Muto, Yuuki Tanaka and Kazuya Adachi registered a time of 95.36 – which looked like it could be enough for victory as other teams faltered. 

But the French team emerged victorious in thrilling fashion as Titouan Castryck, Benjamin Renia and Anatole Delassus finished in 95.30. 

There was just 0.10 separating the top three, with Great Britain’s Ben Haylett, Jonny Dickson and Joseph Clarke bagging bronze in 95.40. 

“Winning as a team really is different,” said Renia.  

“It’s a lot of emotion. But it’s not quite the same as winning individually – you can’t really compare both. 

“I’m so happy to share this with my friends, and for sure it’s a memory I’ll never forget, because of the joy. It is something we all get to share together. 

“And that’s something we’ll be able to talk about for years to come.” 

Results 

Men’s Kayak Teams 

1. France 95.30 
2. Japan +0.06 
3. Great Britain +0.10 

Women’s Kayak Teams 

1. Czechia 103.22 
2. Germany +3.26 
3. Slovenia +4.51 

There was a shock in the men’s K1 heats as defending champion Clarke missed out on a place in the semi-finals. 

The Rio 2016 Olympic champion placed outside the top 30 in 33rd. 

There was delight for Czechia’s Jakub Krejci, who posted the quickest time in the heats, finishing in 86.94, while Switzerland’s Martin Dougoud and Australia’s Lucien Delfour also looked strong. 

“I was a little bit nervous before and there were winds,” said Krejci.  

“It’s the World Championships so it’s always tricky so I’m really happy to make a good run.  

“I hope I hope I will keep this feeling on the water for Friday and keep enjoying my time here.” 

Funk, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, made a statement in the women’s K1 heats, sealing top spot in 95.78. 

France’s Camille Prigent was the next best with 96.06, followed by compatriot Emma Vuitton, Great Britian’s Lois Leaver and Czechia’s Gabriela Satkova. 

“The course has some tricky gates,” said Funk.  

“I had seen some girls getting some 50 second penalties when I was waiting for my turn, so I was nervous at the starting line.  

“I feel very happy about my run, I managed to have a solid and clean run.  

“It feels like a good comeback after my trial event because it didn't go very well for me.”