Alexandra’s Nick Collier has won the first New Zealand under 23 medal at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in his first showing at the event.

The former Dunstan High School student, now studying at Waikato University, has spent the past three months training and racing in the world cup circuit in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.

Nick said it “felt incredible” to win the silver and it was an honour to get to the podium “flying the New Zealand flag was a dream come true”.

“I've been watching these competitors on the screen for many years, so sitting alongside them on the start ramp had a certain air of disbelief. 

“Because it was my first world championship I had no gauge of how I would stack up against these athletes, and if anything, that was the goal of this season to find out how I compared, gain experience and build on my passion for the sport.” 

Nick has been a kayaker for the past nine years, and focused on reaching at the world championships for the past four.

His path to the world stage in his chosen sport hasn’t been without challenges.

In 2021 he was selected for the U18 world championship, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted the New Zealand team’s travel plans. 

In 2022 he was selected for the U23 world championship in Italy, but he broke his back whitewater kayaking six weeks before the competition which ruled him out.

“Kayaking has taught me to focus on the things we can control, and not get caught up on those we can't. The movement of water is constantly changing, and we as kayakers can't control this, so…we have to focus on honing our skills and becoming versatile and adaptable to the changing environment.”

Other podium finishers in the U23 kayak cross were Sam Leaver (gold) and Jonny Dickson (bronze), both from the UK.

It was an intense head to head showdown for silver or bronze between Nick and Brit Jonny Dickson (22). PHOTO: Supplied

Nick's ultimate goal is to attend the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics for kayak cross (the sport will debut at the Paris Olympics next year).

He got into the sport following the footsteps of older brother Max, joining up to the Central Otago Whitewater Club (COWC) while he was at school. He played canoe polo in the Alexandra pool in terms two and three and then learned canoe slalom in the Mata-Au (Clutha) River in terms one and four.  

“We spend weekends travelling to beautiful parts of the country such as the Skippers Canyon, Hāwea River, and the world-class Tekapo Canoe Slalom course. For those wanting to start kayaking, I highly encourage it. Grab a buddy or two and head along to beginner classes where all the equipment is provided.”

Nick thanked the community for backing him from the start.

“I couldn't be more grateful. This result is for all of us. To my club, coaches Josef Prochazka and Mike Dawson, sponsors Colliers Otago, Skeggs Foundation, HausBau Construction Wānaka and ICL Chartered Accountants and my family, thank you so much for your belief in my dream, look at what we've accomplished. This is only the beginning.”

Two other paddlers from Alexandra and the COWC Tom and Olly Goldsmith were also representing New Zealand in Poland. Olly, 16 qualified for the head to head heats in kayak cross, a notable achievement for his first overseas competition.

Kayak cross is a combination of all white water disciplines, raced in identical plastic creek boats. Paddlers negotiate downstream and upstream buoys, and contact is allowed. A compulsory kayak roll, (a complete 360 degree flip) needs to be completed. Disqualification can be due to breaking the start, missing a buoy, dangerous paddling, or failing the roll. It is tactical and paddlers have choices, including which side of the course they take.