Kaylen Bassett expressed feeling “out of place” at Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium, where he achieved an outstanding performance in the men’s C1 final, resulting in a podium finish. Until Bassett’s exhilarating run on Thursday, Australia had not won any medals at the ICF Slalom World Championships.
While windy conditions challenged many competitors, Bassett utilized his familiarity with the course to deliver a flawless run, surprising both himself and onlookers, as he entered the race ranked eighth after the semi-finals. His previous best in international competitions was a 39th place finish, making this achievement particularly remarkable as he became the first Australian male in 18 years to secure a medal in the C1 category. The last Australian to do so was Robin Bell, who won silver in 2007 after previously clinching gold in 2005.
In a post-race interview, Bassett expressed astonishment at his achievement, stating, “I’m shocked. I don’t believe it, still,” and noted, “I feel like I’m still waiting for someone else to come down the course.” He acknowledged the overwhelming presence of elite paddlers alongside him on the podium and noted that he found the moment surreal and was “pinching” himself in disbelief.
The enthusiastic support from the home crowd and his teammates significantly boosted Bassett’s performance. He reflected on their encouragement, saying, “Everyone here on the bank today…to know that I have them behind me was massive.” He highlighted the importance of this moment not just for himself but for his team, saying, “This was our course, and this is what we as a group wanted to do.”
In the women’s C1 final, disappointment struck Noemie Fox, who finished ninth after a challenging run that left her more than eight seconds behind the medallists. She entered the final following an eighth-place finish in the semi-finals but called her performance “frustrating” and acknowledged the difficulties posed by the wind during her run.
Overall, Bassett’s remarkable achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also revived Australian aspirations in the C1 discipline at an international level, commemorating a significant anniversary for the country’s C1 program. Despite the ups and downs of competition, the spirit of camaraderie and support shone through, underscoring the importance of teamwork in such high-stakes environments.