Fernando Pimenta wins double gold at European Canoe Sprint Championships
With eight European titles to his name and two Olympic medals, Pimenta continues to elevate Portuguese canoeing.
Portuguese canoeist Fernando Pimenta secured two gold medals at the European Canoe Sprint Championships in Racine, Czech Republic, reaffirming his elite status in the sport.
The 35-year-old won the K1 5000m final with a time of 21:14.874, finishing ahead of Hungary’s Adam Varga and Denmark’s Mads Pedersen.
Just a day earlier, Pimenta also claimed gold in the K1 1000m, earning his fourth European title in both distances.
Past medals
Pimenta, a veteran of four Olympic Games and medalist in London 2012 (silver in K2 1000m) and Tokyo 2020 (bronze in K1 1000m), described the European Championships as a turning point following a difficult year marked by physical and emotional exhaustion, and a disappointing performance at Paris 2024.
“These medals are special because they come after a low point. I even considered stepping away from high-level competition,” he said upon arriving at Porto airport.
Despite not being at his physical peak, Pimenta built on his recent success at the European Canoe Marathon Championships in Ponte de Lima, where he also won gold in both the K1 short race and K2 long race with teammate Fernando Ramalho.
“I was relaxed and focused, and that made all the difference,” he reflected. “Even other teams noticed a new energy in me.”
Portugal finished the event with four medals, three gold, ranking third overall behind Hungary and Spain.
Pimenta praised the Portuguese team’s results, highlighting their achievements despite limited resources: “We competed with a small team and a tight budget, yet still surpassed powerhouses like Germany, Poland, and the host nation.”
Modest reception
Although the reception at the airport was modest, Pimenta was greeted by Portuguese Olympic Committee president Fernando Gomes, a gesture he deeply appreciated.
He also used the opportunity to urge Portuguese companies to invest more in national athletes.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Pimenta hinted this may be his final Games: “In Paris I felt pressure; in L.A., I just want to enjoy it. I’ll go as if it’s my last competition.”