Paddle sport is often a family affair and there was plenty of sibling success across the 2025 International Canoe Federation season. In the sixth of our moments of the year, Czechia’s Klara Vankova and Matej Vanek delivered joy to their family with world titles on home waters.
As soon as Matek Vanek got out of his boat after completing his winning run, his older sister Klara Vankova was there to greet him.
His victory on the Ceske Vrbne course not only delivered him a second successive world title in the men’s canoe single but also ensured a remarkable day for his family.
A little over 10 minutes before Vanek took to the water, Vankova was standing on the podium to collect her gold medal at the International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Championships in Ceske Budejovice.
With her friends and family, including Vanek, watching on, there was pressure for Vankova to deliver on home waters.
But Vankova refused to be overwhelmed by her nervous as she came out firing and produced a brilliant performance.
Vankova, a silver medallist in 2022, clinched the women’s kayak single title in a time of 47.91, beating Italy’s Mathilde Serena Rosa who finished in 48.19.
"I'm very happy,” said Vankova.
“It was very demanding, but I really enjoyed the trainings here.
“We spent a lot of time here and I have trained here.
“I was nervous about the home atmosphere, but in the end the fans drove me to the finish line and the atmosphere was amazing.”
After Vankova clinched her first individual world crown, the attention then turned to her younger brother.
Coming in as the defending champion, there was perhaps even more pressure on the shoulders of Vanek.
But like his sister, the 21-year-old rose to the challenge, seeing off the French challenge of Nicolas Sauteur and Charles Ferrion to win in 46.42.
“I was a little nervous at the start,” said Vanek.
“I kept changing the feelings that I had what it took and that I couldn't do it.
“In the end, I got my ride down, and even though it wasn't quite perfect, it was enough.”
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