In the fourth of our big interviews with the 2024 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series winners, we spoke to women’s overall kayak cross champion Kimberley Woods of Great Britain.
Moments before sliding down from the ramp at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, Kimberley Woods was fuelled by one thought: gold.
Despite a flying start to the final, an error in the first upstream gate at Paris 2024 changed the order of standings.
Eventually, she bagged the bronze medal — her second at the Games after the kayak single.
The focus of Woods’ season was undeniably the Olympics, but her commitment to the World Cup was equally strong as she defended her overall kayak cross ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup title.
She won bronze in Krakow and silver in Ivrea before adding one more silver in La Seu, where she won double points.
Gleaming with confidence, Woods spoke about how well paddlers from her country have performed in kayak cross.
Competing in three classes, she also emphasised how the prize money from the World Cups is crucial for accessing top-tier equipment.
| Ranking | Name | Augsburg | Prague | Krakow | Ivrea | La Seu | Points |
| 1 | Kimberley Woods (GBR) | 4 | 50 | 55 | 110 | 219 | |
| 2 | Mallory Franklin (GBR) | 2 | 19 | 60 | 120 | 201 | |
| 3 | Jessica Fox (AUS) | 4 | 60 | 90 | 154 | ||
| 4 | Tereza Kneblova (CZE) | 2 | 55 | 45 | 90 | 152 | |
| 5 | Angele Hug (FRA) | 40 | 2 | 100 | 142 | ||
| 6 | Eva Tercelj (SLO) | 60 | 2 | 34 | 96 |
“I think winning the World Cup overall for the second time in a row kind of shows our strength,” she said.
“I said last year in Paris that Great Britain took kayak cross well.
“It was a special moment for Joe (Clarke) to retain his title as well.
“The focus this season was fully on the Games and to come back in a relaxed manner and take the World Cup title was special.
“I am happy with our consistency after such a big event.”
Having been open about her mental health struggles, especially around Tokyo 2020, Woods said that her journey since then has been challenging.
The 2023 Canoe Slalom World Championships at the Lee Valley White Water Centre at home was a pivotal movement for her, leading into the Games and the World Cup seasons.
She also said that her ability to switch off when exiting the venue has also helped her cope with the pressure.
“I came back and had disappointments in the kayak class and having to pick myself up again for the World Championships last year, I think I gained so much confidence from it, being at home,” Woods continued.
“I love racing, and I love competing and any start line I can get to, I take confidence from it.”
The 29-year-old, who was at the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup earlier this month, ensured that her podium streak did not end.
She won a silver medal in the canoe short slalom, an event where the technical abilities of the athletes were put to the test on a more difficult course, underlining her ability to adapt quickly.
Despite the long and successful season, Woods has already made plans for next year.
With the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships happening in Penrith, home of Olympic champion sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox, Woods is taking all the necessary steps to remain on top.
“Good or bad, you can always learn a lot from competition. I think there is only so much you can learn from training,” she said.
“I think this winter is going to be a long one. I am looking at taking a tiny break and I will be going to Australia to do some training and meet some friends.
“I love competing and it is what I strive to do.
“I think next year, the World Championships in Australia will be great. It is one of my favourite places and I am sure the atmosphere will be great.”
