The air at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport buzzed with pure joy on Monday. Dozens of fans waited eagerly, their cheers ready. They greeted Portugal’s champion canoeists, who just returned from the World Marathon Championships in Gyor, Hungary. The athletes brought home three gold medals, a silver, and a bronze, making it a truly special day for the sport.
Fernando Pimenta, José Ramalho, Rui Lacerda, and Ricardo Coelho were among those celebrating. Their faces beamed with happiness after their amazing victories. The Portuguese canoeing team finished fourth overall in the championships. This impressive showing spanned from Thursday to Sunday, proving their top-tier talent.
The Veteran Duo’s Golden Run
Fernando Pimenta and José Ramalho are a legendary pair. They just grabbed their fourth K2 world title together. This win brings them closer to a historic “penta,” or five consecutive wins, something never done before. Pimenta also secured a gold medal in the K1 short race, showcasing his incredible versatility. Ramalho, at 43, also earned a bronze in the K1 short race.
Pimenta spoke about the tough conditions in Gyor. “The course was really hard, with many turns and portages. It could have hurt my performance,” he admitted. “But I focused on adapting. I did what I could, and the feeling of winning two world titles is just amazing.” This season has been very strong for the 36-year-old. He now has eight medals, six of them gold. This success is even sweeter after a disappointing speed world championships in Milan earlier this year, where he missed the podium.
“My outlook has to be good,” Pimenta stated confidently. “It’s a big challenge to mix speed and marathon events. Most athletes pick one. After Milan, I worked extra hard to get these world titles. I knew I had it in me.” Ramalho, his seasoned partner, shared his own thoughts. “We started this K2 journey in 2022. We quickly saw its potential,” he explained. “We’re here to keep going, even with our age. Our bodies still respond well to training.” He dreams of the ‘penta,’ hoping to become the most decorated K2 team ever.
New Faces on Top of the Podium
Rui Lacerda and Ricardo Coelho also made history. They won their first-ever C2 marathon world title. These two athletes from the Lima region have had an incredible season. Their world championship win followed a European title earlier in the year, which they won in Ponte de Lima.
“After winning the European championship, we knew this was possible,” Rui Lacerda told reporters. “The other crews were very strong. But we never stopped believing.” Lacerda knows the work doesn’t stop here. “We have to keep going, keep working hard. Our opponents now know what we can do. They’ll push even harder,” he added.
Ricardo Coelho agreed, stressing the need to maintain their high work ethic. He’s already thinking about holding onto these top results in the future. He wants to relive the incredible feeling of winning a world title again. “It’s impossible to describe,” Coelho said, remembering the moment. “A shiver went down my spine when I knew we were champions.” He spoke about their journey: “This crew has been built up over many years. Winning with a friend makes it even more special.” He summed up their season: “Being European and World champions in the same year was a huge dream. It was possible but very tough. Our rivals were so close, but it was our day.”
A Bright Future for Portuguese Canoeing
The success wasn’t just for the senior team. Young talent Leonardo Barbosa also brought home a silver medal in the C1 junior race. All these efforts combined led Portugal to a proud fourth-place finish overall at the World Marathon Championships, securing three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. This shows the depth and promising future of Portuguese canoeing.