Another Central Otago paddler is emerging as a serious kayak cross contender, after Nick Collier finished ahead of Olympic gold medallist Finn Butcher at the Oceania Championships in Auckland. 

The championships were held at Wero Whitewater Park from January 31 to February 2, with Nick delivering a standout win in the open men’s kayak cross final, up against Australian Olympian Tim Anderson and under-23 world vice-champion Oli Puchner, in addition to Finn. 

The final podium saw Nick take gold, followed by Oli, Tim, and Finn in fourth. 

Nick said the kayak cross discipline suited his racing style. 

“My paddling style tends to be explosive, which is exactly what is required,” he said. 

He said finishing ahead of two Olympians was a milestone. 

“Placing above two Olympians is significant, but when one of them is Finn Butcher, the Olympic gold medallist, it’s monumental,” he said. 

“It’s also an indication that everything I’m doing is working.” 

Nick also won the under-23 head-to-head kayak cross title and the under-23 and open men’s individual kayak cross titles. 

He said the standard of kayak cross in New Zealand continued to lift, with close and intense racing across the field. 

"I’ve been coaching kayak cross in Auckland, which is a double win," he said.

"I get to develop my theory and application, and I also get training partners. You can only do so much kayak cross alone, the technique is one small aspect in amongst the tactics, decision making and strategy."

In the K1 canoe slalom, Nick won the under-23 men’s title and placed second in the open men’s final, finishing just 0.26 seconds behind the Aussie Olympian. 

The event was supported by Central Otago Whitewater Club coach Alex Goñi.  

Other club paddlers included Sam Collier, Nick’s brother, and Quinn McCutcheon, with Quinn winning the under-18 K1 men’s title to become Oceania champion. 

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