New Zealand’s Finn Butcher is the Olympics' first men's kayak cross gold medallist, dominating the final in the frenetic event in his Games debut in Paris.
Having won his quarter-final and coming second in the semi-final, Butcher flew off the platform in the final and never looked back, winning comfortably and claiming the third Kiwi gold at these Games.
The Kiwi said it was "pretty unreal" to win gold.
"So stoked, it is pretty sick.
Finn Butcher in the kayak cross and Ellessee Andrews, Rebecca Petch and Shaane Fulton in the women’s team sprint spoke to 1News after their medal-winning efforts. (Source: 1News)
"I backed myself on the start and I just wanted to get away fast and make some space."
When asked about what it meant to have his supporters from back home cheering him on, Butcher said: "These guys have been with me since day one and it is pretty bloody special, that's why I paddle."
The 29-year-old, born in Dunedin but who grew up in Alexandra, beat the world number one Joe Clarke of Great Britain and Noah Hegge of Germany.
He was a reserve for the Tokyo Olympics.
Butcher gained the quota spot for New Zealand by finishing 11th at last year’s World Championships. He then won silver in the Olympic test event on the Paris course.
Kayak cross replaced the K1 200 metres in flat water canoe sprint for these Olympics, an event which Dame Lisa Carrington dominated.
His women's canoe slalom compatriot Luuka Jones watched on proudly as "The Butcher", as he was nicknamed by commentators, charged home for glory.
"Holy s**t! He did it, he did it!" she said as he crossed the line.
"This will do so much for our sport," she added.
Jones, a Rio silver medallist, came fifth in her kayak cross competition and confirmed this will likely be her last Olympics as she focuses on time with her family.
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