Twelve New Zealand paddlers have earned selection for the 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Poznan, Poland, marking the country’s commitment to competing at the sport’s highest level next August.
The team spans clubs from across the country: Aimee Fisher and Hamish Legarth from Hawkes Bay Kayak Racing Club, Finn Murphy, Grant Clancy, and Greer Morley representing North Shore Canoe Club, Jacqueline Kennedy and Quaid Thompson from Poverty Bay Kayak Club, James Munro and Lucy Matehaere competing for Otago Kayak Racing Club, Olivia Brett and Scott Martlew from Arawa Canoe Club, and Kurtis Imrie from Mana Kayak Club.
Selection to a world championships team represents years of dedication for athletes and their support networks. The rigorous pathway to Poznan reflects the talent and depth across New Zealand’s sprint paddling programme, with competitors having demonstrated the consistency and performance required to represent their country on the international stage.
The championships run from 26–30 August at Poznan’s Olympic rowing venue, one of Europe’s premier sprint racing facilities. For many in this cohort, competing at worlds offers a crucial stepping stone toward Olympic qualification cycles and the chance to test themselves against the sport’s elite paddlers.
Preparation begins now for coaches and athletes across the selected clubs. The months ahead will focus on fine-tuning technique, building fitness, and developing the tactical nous required for high-pressure racing in Poland.
