Junior gold kayak cross under-23 world champion Nick Collier said he was feeling “over the moon” after his big win in France two days ago.

“To realise this goal, this dream is simply incredible. I wish everyone could experience this feeling because it is beautiful,” he said.

Becoming the first New Zealander to win the title at the canoe slalom world championships, the 21-year-old went one better than his silver medal at the same world championships in Krakow, Poland, two years ago.

It's also the same event Finn Butcher won gold in at the Paris Olympics, and Nick said year on year the competition had grown stronger and harder.

“The induction of kayak cross into the Paris Olympics massively raised the standard. I had put in the work so I knew that I would be competitive. My coach, Nico Boudoin, and I created a strategy that was perfect for the course and competition. I raced hard but importantly smart.” 

Nick made the shift from Central Otago to Hamilton in 2021 after winning a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship to study at Waikato University.

Nick with gold medal. Photo: Supplied

His parents George and Jenny were extremely proud of their son’s achievement, and the hard work and commitment he’d put in to get there. 

“It’s a dream come true for him to win gold at the U23s and we’re thrilled to see his talent and dedication pay off on the world stage,” Jenny said. 

“He’s shown remarkable tenacity and resilience over the years and sacrificed a lot, but he loves the sport and we’re excited to see where he goes with it next.”

Jenny said it was also fantastic to see another success story for Central Otago whitewater. 

“As a small club we punch above our weight in producing champion paddlers. It must be something in the water,” she said.