GLL Sport Foundation Athletes Shine at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Championships in Australia

Eight GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) athletes from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority made waves at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Championships in Sydney - bringing home an impressive seven medals: one gold, four silver, and two bronze.

National Ambassador Joe Clarke MBE opened Team GB’s tally with silver in the men’s Kayak Cross qualifiers, while Nikita Setchell (Top Up Award) and Kimberley Woods placed eighth and 15th. Alumni Sam and Lois Leaver also advanced.

Day two delivered double team success: Luc Royle (Top Up Award) and Ryan Westley claimed silver in the men’s C1, while Woods and teammates took bronze after a penalty review. All GSF athletes progressed to individual semi-finals, with Woods second-fastest in the women’s C1.

On day three, Clarke and Ben Haylett (Top Up Award) secured bronze in the men’s kayak team event. The women’s team - Woods, Setchell and Leaver - finished seventh, all reaching the semis.

Ryan Westley then powered to silver in the men’s C1 final - his third Worlds medal - before Woods added another silver in the women’s K1, upgrading her Paris 2024 bronze.

The Championships ended in style as Clarke made history with his fourth consecutive Kayak Cross World title. Sam Leaver reached the quarterfinals, and Setchell won the small final to cap an outstanding week.

A world class showing from Lee Valley’s GSF athletes - proving once again their strength on the global stage.