Alexandra’s Nick Collier is still buzzing after strong results in the Canoe Slalom National Championships recently.

The paddler secured the Ian Mercer Cup for winning the under 23 men’s K1 (solo kayak), and he earned a swathe of other strong results in the championships.

Nick said this summer had been more focused on racing than training.

“I’ve paddled in one competition in China, two in Australia, and five in New Zealand. The national championship wraps up the domestic season. Now I'm looking forward to competing at the senior world ups and U23 world championship in Europe, followed by the senior world championship in Sydney, Australia.”

Alexandra’s Olympic gold medallist Finn Butcher edged out Australian Olympic friend and rival, Tim Anderson, to win the men's K1 in Tekapo.

“Finn was dominant in the kayak cross leading up to the finals; however, he made a mistake, and placed fourth (third New Zealander) behind me, Jayden Parker from Hawkes Bay, and Tim Anderson. 

“On the back of Finn Butcher's Olympic success, placing above him and becoming the vice-national champion, has me pumped. Only one athlete from each country can attend the Olympics, so as the new Olympic cycle, Los Angeles 2028, begins, I'm happy to kick it off on a high note,” Nick said.

Central Otago brothers and former Dunstan High School pupils Tom and Ollie Goldsmith competed at the championships.

Tom suffered an injury in training just days before the event and had to pull out of the finals.

Ollie Goldsmith came third in the U23 K1 men's and seventh in the men's kayak cross events. 

Nick said the camaraderie and competition amongst his fellow paddlers is partly what pushes him to succeed.

“There's five of us that are neck and neck. That's Tom Goldsmith, [and three who represent Rotorua Awa Sports Club] Oliver Puchner, George Snook, and Michel Uhl. There's a great atmosphere between us."

“We're friends on and off the water, except when it comes to kayak cross, then anyone is fair game.

“The majority of us have competed alongside and against each other for over a decade now. Having this strong competition is excellent because we push each other to be better.”

Nick (on left) alongside Olympic gold winner Finn Butcher. PHOTO: Supplied

Nick was awarded the Glass Trophy for men’s C2 (two person canoe) for being the fastest overall with partner Lachie Harkness from the Hawke's Bay, the pair also scooped the Hoffman Cup for under 23 men’s C2.  

In under 23 men’s C1 (single person canoe) he placed second, despite it being a secondary discipline for him.

“K1 and kayak cross are absolutely my focus; however, the skillset required for C1 has so many crossover benefits to the other disciplines. So I've occasionally implemented C1 into my training program to enhance my performance,” Nick said.

The Canoe Slalom New Zealand National Championships hit Tekapo over Easter weekend, hosted by the Central Otago Whitewater club.

Paddlers from across the country and a few Australians including Kate Eckhardt, Tim Anderson, and Kayak Cross Olympic champion Noemie Fox turned up the heat on Tekapo’s stunning whitewater course.

An aerial view of the Tekapo Whitewater course. PHOTO: Supplied

Nick thanked volunteers who attended the national championships and Kellie and Roy Bailey and the Central Otago Whitewater Club for running a successful event. 

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