Staffordshire canoe star lost for words after winning fourth world title

The 32-year-old from Stone left the competition trailing his wake as he blasted his way to victory in Sydney.

Clarke, who won Olympic gold in the K1 slalom in Rio nine years ago, took time out of the water after claiming kayak cross silver at Paris 2024.

But after a slow start to the season, following the birth of his daughter, he came roaring back to form and showed his class when it mattered most.

Clarke, who had already won a silver and bronze in the time trial and men’s team kayak earlier in the championships, finished well clear of France's Mathurin Madore in second place and Czech canoeist Matyas Novak in the cross final.

"It was a dream to come here to retain that title after getting silver in the Games last year," said Clarke. 

"To compete on the biggest stage at the Olympics is massive but then I actually took some time off afterwards, so I've been working towards this.

“I had my second child at the start of the year, and I missed the first three World Cups, so I have kind of been finding my feet the second half of the season.

"I came today with a point to prove and I think I've done that. To take a fourth world title, I'm stuck for words. I can’t wait to get home and celebrate with the family.”