Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska pulled off a stunning display to clinch an unexpected women’s canoe crown in blustery conditions at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships in Sydney, Australia.
The wind-affected day also saw France’s Nicolas Gestin showcase his invincibility in the men’s C1 by adding the world title to his Olympic gold at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
Facing strong winds, many paddlers came unstuck on the tricky course while others rose to the challenge as Zwolinska and Gestin overcame the elements to be crowned world champions.
Hosts Australia also celebrated their first medal of the World Championships courtesy of a brilliant bronze for Kaylen Bassett.
Click here for live startlists and results from Sydney
Zwolinska found her best form when it mattered most to secure her first world title in emphatic fashion.
An Olympic silver medallist and world bronze medallist in the kayak, Zwolinska had her eyes set on achieving glory in Friday’s K1.
But her success came a day earlier than expected as the Pole produced a sensational performance in Sydney, triumphing by more than four and a half seconds.
“I can't believe that this actually happened to me today,” said Zwolinska.
“I'm confident in the K1 but in the C1 I have always had some small mistakes and finally, today, my two runs were really good, and I'm so happy.
“The conditions were super hard.
“It was super windy, so I'm so proud of myself and now I'm enjoying Australia so much - I'm loving this place.”
Her fantastic time of 108.49 dashed the gold-medal hopes of Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) Alsu Minazova, who earned silver in 112.88.
Brazil’s Ana Satila roared with delight as she put her injury-hit start to the season behind by securing bronze in 112.98.
Evy Leibfarth of the United States narrowly missed out on a medal, placing fourth, while two-second penalties for Czechia’s Martina Satkova and Slovakia’s Zuzana Pankova cost them.
There was no surprise in the men’s C1 final as Gestin swept to another impressive victory.
Since July, Gestin has been unbeatable in the men’s C1, winning the three ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup events in a row to bag the overall title.
Great Britain’s Ryan Westley, the reigning European champion, set the benchmark with a time of 98.03 to move into first position.
But Gestin responded to the challenge, showing fantastic composure to pass every obstacle that came his way.
A “fired-up” Gestin powered across the finish line in 97.13 to secure his first individual world crown and add to the gold he won in the men’s teams on Tuesday.
“I know how difficult it is to perform consistently,” said Gestin.
“Today in particular, with the wind and the conditions, I was really 100% focused.
“But of course, for me, stacking up titles, strong performances, and World Cup wins this season has allowed me to arrive with full confidence.
“I know that in a one-day race like today, I can really let loose.
“Starting last doesn’t bother me.
“I’ve had that spot quite a few times at the Games – I’d start last because I won the semi-final.
“In the end, for me, the more pressure the context puts on me, the more it fires me up.
“That’s how I see it and honestly, I kind of like it.”
Westley, who was 10th in the semi-finals, came second for his three individual world medal following his silver in 2018 and bronze in 2015.
Two decades after Robin Bell delivered a memorable gold for Australia in the men’s C1, all eyes were on Bassett to try to repeat that success.
It was not gold, but Bassett made sure the Australian flag was flying at the medal ceremony as he earned bronze in 98.74.
Gestin’s gold medal-winning run pushed Spain’s Miquel Trave outside the podium places, while Slovakia’s Matej Benus came fifth.
Results
Women’s Canoe
- Klaudia ZWOLINSKA (POL) 108.49
- Alsu MINAZOVA (AIN) +4.39 (2 second penalty)
- Ana SATILA (BRA) +4.49 (2)
Men’s Canoe
- Nicolas GESTIN (FRA) 97.13
- Ryan WESTLEY (GBR) +0.90
- Kaylen BASSETT (AUS) +1.61
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