Delfour earns spot on Oz Open podium for Kayak Cross

New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Lucien Delfour (main picture) won the bronze medal for the men’s kayak cross on the final day of the 2026 Australian Open.

Delfour, who won a silver medal at last weekend’s 2026 Penrith Open kayak cross final said today’s bronze medal result exceeded his expectations.

“I’m pretty happy with the result. I really gave it my best shot in the time trial – I went flat out,” Delfour said. “I really ramped up the intensity but on the technical moves, I tried to be more flexible.” 

Paris Olympian Tim Anderson (NSWIS) also qualified for the men’s kayak cross final, finishing in fourth. Young gun Codie Davidson (NSWIS, pictured below) was the only Australian woman to make the women’s kayak cross final, also finishing in fourth place.

Zuzana Pankova (SVK) completes an incredible two weeks at Penrith Whitewater Stadium with another gold medal to add to her back-to-back C1 victories with the win in the women’s kayak cross final.

“It was a great race. I didn’t expect it. It’s my first final in [kayak] cross and to already win, I’m just stoked.

“In the kayak (K1) and canoe (C1), I’m trying to really fight for podiums but now I was trying to have fun and it worked out very well.

“I think I’ve started the season the best I possibly could. So many wins, so many podiums. Hopefully it’s going to go the same or even better – it’s a great feeling,” Pankova said. 

The final event of the domestic canoe slalom season, the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom National Championships, will take place at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from the 17-18 April.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 3 RESULTS

Women’s Kayak Cross

1st – Zuzana Pankova (SVK)

2nd – Kimberley Woods (GBR)

3rd – Tereza Kneblova (CZE)

Men’s Kayak Cross

1st – Matyas Novak (CZE)

2nd – Martin Rudorfer (CZE)

3rd – Lucien Delfour (AUS)

For all Australian Open results, click here

Paddle Australia

Pictures: JRG Images