Oliver Puchner has become the first New Zealander to win an individual medal at the U23 canoe slalom world championships, claiming silver in France.

The 22-year-old from Pukehina delivered a commanding performance in the C1 final at Foix, earning second place in his last shot at the age-group event.

“I am so happy. I can’t believe it as well,” Puchner said in an interview with the International Canoe Federation, following his run.

“To be sitting there with all those other guys and being in that top position was crazy.”

He finished behind France’s Léo Bruneval, with Czech paddler Matyáš Říha rounding out the podium.

“I was a bit emotional a couple of moments after. Now it’s just disbelief,” Puchner said.

It was a breakthrough moment for the young paddler.

“I have never made the final. I’ve been battling for the past couple of years to make the final, last year I was 12th,” he said.

“I wanted to get there and just do my run and see what I could do, so to get on the podium I’m super stoked.”

The technical whitewater course in Foix is considered one of the toughest on the circuit, with tight gates and fast currents testing even the best young athletes in the world.

Puchner’s medal marks a milestone for New Zealand in a sport long dominated by European nations.

As he now transitions to senior-level racing, his historic result will be seen as a major boost for Kiwi canoe slalom hopes on the international stage.

Correction: This story previously said the event was in Slovakia. It was in France.