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A Historic Return to a Legendary Venue

Twenty years after hosting the 2005 World Championships, the Penrith Whitewater Stadium in New South Wales, Australia, once again rocked to the rhythm of world-class canoe slalom from September 29 to October 4, 2025.

Built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the course stretches 320 meters with a vertical drop of 5.5 meters. Last week, more than 230 athletes from 40 nations competed in thrilling races.The wind, particularly unpredictable early in the week, forced the paddlers to demonstrate exceptional precision. The atmosphere, true to Australian sporting tradition, was electric and unforgettable. Europe in Command

While the entire world gathered in Penrith, it was Europe that dominated this 2025 edition.

European nations took the majority of podium finishes, including France with five gold medals and two silver medals,the Czech Republic with two gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals,and Poland with two gold medals and one bronze medal.

 France, invincible on Australian waters

The French team left no room for doubt.

Nicolas Gestin won the men's C1 world title, capping off an exceptional season after his Olympic triumph last year.

In the men's K1, Titouan Castryck, Olympic silver medalist in Paris, dominated the final and won gold ahead of Czech paddlers Jakub Krejčí and Jiří Prskavec. The French team also shone in the team events, confirming its exceptional depth and cohesion.

"The Penrith course is very technical, quite different from what we experience in Europe, but we were able to adapt," said Gestin after her victory.

 Polish triumph: Klaudia Zwolińska, queen of the doubles

Poland's Klaudia Zwolińska achieved a historic double by winning the women's K1 and C1 titles.

"The wind made every gate unpredictable, but I gave it my all. I'm proud of what I accomplished," she said, with tears in her eyes, after her victory. 

 Other European nations confirm their strength

The Czechs, led by Jiří Prskavec and Jakub Krejčí, remained among the top contenders with three medals and consistent performances throughout the week.

Spain, meanwhile, made headlines with David Llorente, crowned world champion in men's kayak cross, the new and spectacular individual event.