Switzerland’s Alena Marx and Spain’s David Llorente made history by capturing the first-ever kayak cross individual titles on the opening day of the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships in Sydney, Australia.
For the first time, world titles were on the line in the individual time trials before paddlers battle it out in Saturday’s head-to-head format, which made its debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
With medals up for grabs, there was an extra level of tension and excitement to the event as competitors aimed to not only book their spots in the kayak cross with a top 42 placing but also attempt to get on the podium.
Click here for live startlists and results from Sydney
Marx is no stranger to making history in kayak cross, having become the first-ever European champion in the individual time trials when it featured in Tacen last year.
And the Swiss star secured another historic victory when she stormed to the world title in 62.09 – almost a second quicker than her nearest challenger.
“It was the goal to come out and finish on top, but honestly, it really surprised me. I was really surprised everything worked out well,” said Marx.
“I think I need some time to take it all in.
“It just means so much to win it here at the World Championships, and I think it gives me much more confidence.”
Marx was the only paddler to go under 63 seconds as Slovenia’s Ajda Novak sealed silver in a time of 63.07.
Brazil’s Ana Satila, who missed the start of the season due to kidney stones, clinched bronze in 63.23.
Llorente was the other history-maker on day one in Sydney as he won in 55.21, getting the better of speedsters Joseph Clarke of Great Britain and Jakub Krejci of Czechia in an absorbing contest.
Clarke, who has won three successive world titles in kayak cross, was the last to go down the course as he attempted to snatch gold from Llorente.
The British paddler got off to a flying start, but Llorente’s time proved too good as he came second in 56.33.
“It’s the first time I won a world title, except for the U23 and team titles I won,” said Llorente.
“I knew I did a very good race.
“I didn’t know how it went until the end, but when I arrived I saw the fireworks and I celebrated a little more.
“Now it’s time to listen to the anthem, rest, and to focus on the slalom.
“The competition has just started.
“In the next five or six days, I will feel a lot of pressure, a lot of stress.
“I don’t want to waste energy on something that has already passed.”
Krejci, who has made a big impact in the format this season only to miss out on the kayak cross individual World Cup Series crown, earned bronze in 56.39.
Results
Men’s Kayak Cross Individual
- David LLORENTE (ESP) 55.21
- Joseph CLARKE (GBR) +1.12
- Jakub KREJCI (CZE) +1.68
Women’s Kayak Cross Individual
- Alena MARX (SUI) 62.09
- Adja NOVAK (SLO) +0.98
- Ana SATILA (BRA) +1.14
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