The 2025 ISPS Handa Halberg Awards celebrated the best of New Zealand sport, but it was Finn Butcher’s heartwarming post-race celebration that captured the nation. Butcher, who made history by winning New Zealand’s first-ever Olympic gold in kayak cross at the Paris 2024 Games, was awarded New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment—an honor determined by public vote.

While his victory on the water was a worthy nomination, it was the raw emotion he shared with his family, friends, and supporters after receiving his medal that resonated with CSNZ GM Pandora Fruean "we could only put one sporting moment forward for nomination and I had a few moments I thought were special but just felt that this was the one". 

The Halberg Awards’ Favourite Sporting Moment category has always celebrated moments that go beyond the scoreboard, and Butcher’s story fit that perfectly. His triumph wasn’t just about individual success—it was about the village that fuels every athlete’s journey.

"It was absolutely surreal to win the sporting moment of the year award said Butcher. This last year has just been about ticking off the dreams of a kid from Alexandra that loves paddling. It’s been an amazing year and to have it topped off being nominated for sportsman of the year and sporting moment of the year is incredible. Having my family over in Paris was amazing. That medal is as much theirs as it is mine, so to have that moment captured and then the country voting it as their favourite moment from the year is really special."

When asked about taking his dad up on stage he commented "It was so cool to be able to bring dad up on stage! If we thought a year ago I would be able to bring my dad up on stage at the halberg awards I wouldn’t have believed it!"
 

Rog Egan, Deputy Chair of Canoe Slalom New Zealand, was in attendance at the 2025 Halberg Awards and praised the event for celebrating the very best of Kiwi sport, highlighting the Sporting Moment award as a fantastic finale to the evening.

Photo:  Halberg Foundation

Article added: Wednesday 19 February 2025