Cyclists on the banks of the Clutha River were treated to an expert display of slalom kayaking yesterday morning, but most did not realise they were watching Olympic-level competitors. Coming back to Central Otago for a summer break was a welcome respite in a hectic calendar, Butcher said. Back where it all began are (from left), Finn Butcher’s father Dale Butcher, of Alexandra, Australian kayak cross Olympic gold medallist Noemie Fox, Olympic kayak cross gold medallist Finn Butcher and his partner fellow slalom canoeist Courtney Williams. Cyclists on the Alexandra-Clyde trail yesterday morning were mostly unaware they were watching top class athletes including two Olympic gold medallists. Winners in kayak cross at Paris in 2024 Alexandra-born Finn Butcher and Australian Noemie Fox were on the Clutha River along with Butcher’s partner and fellow slalom canoeist Courtney Williams.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 05, 2026 22:41 UTC