Aussie Robin Bell paddles clean to gold

Robin Bell claimed Australia's first ever World Championship gold medal in the sport of Canoe Slalom when he edged out Olympic Champion Tony Estanguet of France to take out the men's C1 World Championship at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium on Saturday.

Bell came down the course second last, but defending World Champion Michal Martikan of Slovakia could not do enough to beat the Australia's time, and finished with bronze.

Australain supporters dived into the finishing pool after Martikan's run, eager to be the first to congratulate the Australian paddler.