At 52 years old, a Portuguese athlete with a demanding professional and civic life recently secured a bronze medal at the world kickboxing championships, underscoring his three-decade dedication to the sport he describes as a personal “reset.”
Nuno Lopes earned the bronze in the Masters category at the WAKO Kickboxing World Championships held in Abu Dhabi. It marked his first medal at a world championship, achieved during his second appearance at the global event.
Lopes expressed frustration with the outcome, stating he had prepared for a gold medal and felt both physically and mentally ready. He believed he outperformed his opponent on points in the final fight but accumulated negative scores due to three exits from the mat and two warnings, one of which he contested as unjust.
Despite almost overcoming the negative points, he ultimately lost by narrow margins, ranging from one to three points across different judges. “I am very angry with myself for not having succeeded,” he said after the fight.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Lopes maintains a packed professional schedule. He works as an international consultant, a university professor, and holds positions as a politician and president of an association.
His daily routine is rigorous, typically starting at 7 AM and concluding around 9 PM with kickboxing training sessions. He also teaches kickboxing to both adults and children.
Lopes, who founded his own club, União Desportiva de Fafe, in 2022, views kickboxing not as work but as a passion and a hobby that brings him immense pleasure. He described the sport as a vital “reset.”
He explained that even when physically and psychologically exhausted, training transforms his state. “I arrive there completely shattered physically and mentally, and it’s almost a ‘reset’ that happens,” he noted.
Lopes emphasized that kickboxing “gives me life, fills me up,” despite the financial cost. He takes time from his vacations and professional commitments to dedicate to the sport.
His journey in kickboxing began at age 23, ignited by a college colleague. Over the years, this passion has led to multiple regional and national titles, and an international silver medal prior to his recent bronze.
While contemplating the significant discipline and personal sacrifices required, including time away from family and friends, Lopes remains undecided on whether to pursue a world championship gold again. He believes the gold medal is “almost within my reach,” acknowledging that his own errors, such as the unnecessary exits from the mat, contributed to his recent loss. He mentioned a potential return in 2027 if he decides to continue his quest.