Finn Butcher - Olympic kayak cross champion

Real Life With John Cowan

Finn Butcher is a talented New Zealand slalom canoeist who has been competing internationally since 2012. Growing up near the Kawarau River, Finn discovered his passion for paddling at the age of nine. Under the mentorship of Alan "Sarge" Hoffman, he developed his skills and later moved to Auckland, where he trained extensively at the Vector Wero Whitewater Park alongside fellow canoeist Callum Gilbert.

In his competitive career, Finn has achieved significant milestones, including a fourth-place finish in the U23 K-1 at the 2018 World Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Championships, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal. He also earned a silver medal in kayak cross at the 2021 World Championships in Bratislava, showcasing his potential on the world stage.

Most notably, Finn became the inaugural Olympic champion in kayak cross at the 2024 Olympics, where he made a stunning upset by defeating three-time world champion Joe Clarke. Prior to this triumph, he served as a non-travelling reserve for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and earned quota places for New Zealand at the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. Finn continues to be a rising star in the sport, dedicated to pushing his limits and inspiring future generations of paddlers.

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