Finn Butcher discusses Olympic success and future goals at Dunedin awards event

Finn Butcher, the Olympic gold medallist in kayak cross, spoke at the 2024 Otago Daily Times Class Act awards in Dunedin. His recent victory at the Paris Olympics has significantly increased his popularity and opened new opportunities in his sport. Butcher noted that the exposure from the Olympics has sparked interest in kayak cross, a sport that was relatively unknown before. He hopes to inspire more young athletes to take up the sport and aims to secure funding for his training as he prepares for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The gold medal has also led to potential sponsorships, allowing Butcher to focus on his training and coaching. He expressed a desire to excel in both kayak cross and slalom, emphasizing the importance of inspiring others through his journey.