Host nation the Czech Republic turned on a wildwater masterclass in classic teams racing on day two of the ICF World Championships at Roudnice nad Labem on Thursday, but there were also gold medals for Belgium, Great Britain, and a first ever championship medal for Canada.

Czech teams picked up gold medals in the junior men’s and women’s kayak, the junior men’s canoe, the U23 women’s and men’s canoe, and the U23 men’s canoe double.

They also picked up silver in the men’s U23 kayak, behind the team from Belgium. Great Britain won gold in the women’s U23 kayak, with silver going to Switzerland and bronze to Germany. Ten different nations won medals on Thursday.

There were excited celebrations for Team Canada, with the junior men’s canoe team picking up a bronze medal. Daniel Parry, Owen McKay and Mason Beaumont finished combined to win the country’s very first medal from junior worlds.

In the 1970s, Canada won two medals in the senior championships, but the Canadians had to wait until this week for success in the junior category as well.

‘We are so glad that we arrived here and that guys managed to finish the race in third place. I am speechless, it is amazing. I can’t wait for the medal ceremony,’ said a teary coach of the Canadian team, Harold van Winssen.

Slovenia, France and Italy all won minor medals on Thursday. 

The world championships continue on Friday.