Former Alexandra kayaker Nick Collier has finished the U23 Kayak Cross World Championship in Slovakia in 9th place out of 79 competitors.

Last year Nick was the vice-world champion in this category and said he was very motivated this time around to prove his result was no fluke.

“I certainly think I’ve managed that with a top 10 placing,” he said.

His time at the world champs was immensely different than last year, knowing his competitors and understanding what it took to beat them.

“However, going in as the vice-world champion put a target on my back, not only did I know the competitors, but they knew me. I was no longer a rookie wildcard, but instead one of the top seeds to make it to the podium.”

Since last year's world champs, he’s rocketed up the senior men's world rankings from 132nd to 42nd.

Nick was pre-selected for the 2024 New Zealand Under 23 Kayak Cross team because of his silver at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland in August 2023.

Nick Collier will soon return to New Zealand, before competing in a world ranking race in Prague. PHOTO: Supplied

Having raced at the first three senior world cups in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland this year, meant that he knew he had the physical capabilities to win, “it was only the mental game which could hold me back", he said.

"Staying focused on each competition stage and filtering out negative thoughts were big developments. I had a job to do which needed my undivided attention to complete."

Nick has one final race in Prague, Czech Republic on August 2-4 which is a world ranking race with huge numbers attending. 

Then he’ll be back to New Zealand on August 8 based at Cambridge and Okere Falls to finish his studies at the University of Waikato.

He’ll also continue training on the Waikato and Kaituna rivers and working part-time as the canoe slalom coach for the Matamata club.

Nick is looking forward to watching the Kiwis at the Olympics in Paris this year but will be busy competing in Prague at the same time.

“I'm very excited to see Luuka Jones at her 5th Olympics and small town Alexandra's own Finn Butcher race in the Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross events. Both of these top athletes are in prime form and ready for their chance at glory.”