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Important SN update for Southland‘Send it’: Finn Butcher’s gold-medal mindset delivers in Prague
Kieran Bingham • July 1st, 2025 12:00 pm
Finn Butcher wins Gold in Paris, 2024 | Photo: Photosport
Finn Butcher has claimed his first World Cup gold medal in the fast-paced and unpredictable Kayak Cross, winning the final at the ICF World Cup event in Prague, Czech Republic.
Reflecting on the victory while speaking to Sport Nation’s Mornings, the reigning Olympic champion was more thrilled than relieved.
“I was just pretty stoked to be honest,” he said. “All the races are hectic, you never know what’s going to happen. I just had a good one.”
'The Butcher' navigated a demanding race format, which included a time trial, heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. Despite the intensity, he executed well when it mattered most.
“I wouldn’t say it was smooth sailing, but I got a good start and managed some separation from the middle down. You still have to execute well and keep pushing, and I managed to do that.”
The gold came after what he described as a slow start to the World Cup season. Butcher admitted he initially struggled to find the right mindset for racing but turned things around following a conversation with his coach.
“I probably didn’t quite find my mindset for the first races. Then I had a good chat with my coach, set some goals in that space, and it worked out well.”
In a sport where races unfold in a matter of seconds, Butcher said that mental clarity and decisiveness are crucial.
“Especially in Kayak Cross, you just can’t hesitate at all. I started off overthinking things - tactics, what other people were doing - and by the time you’ve made a decision, it’s almost wasted. For Prague, I just backed my skills, strength, speed, and went into it with as much intent as possible. No hesitation.”
"When you hit that start ramp, if you can have a clear mind and just want to absolutely send it then I think that's the way to go."
His reaction at the finish line, throwing his paddle, was both instinctive and inspired.
“I was obviously pretty stoked that I won. To get a gold medal is always special. The day before, in the normal slalom, a French guy who won did it - just javelined his paddle -and I thought it was pretty funny. I guess it was just in the moment.”
With the Canoe Slalom World Championships set for September in Sydney, Butcher is aware of the growing expectations that follow Olympic and World Cup success.
“I definitely hear the commentators say I’m the Olympic champion. That brings up different expectations or judgments, whether internal or external.”
Listen to the full interview below
