João Ribeiro and Messias Baptista became world vice-champions in the K2 500 event, securing the silver medal. The duo finished just behind Germany, which took the gold. This result represents a repeat of their 2025 performance, when the two athletes had already achieved second place in the same event.
Previously in the competition, Ribeiro and Messias had won the bronze medal in the K4, together with Gustavo Gonçalves and Pedro Casinha. Thus, the four Portuguese athletes combined for two medals in this edition of the world canoeing championship.
Germany confirmed its status as a powerhouse in this discipline, securing first place in the K2 500 event while demonstrating superiority over the other competing nations. Portugal thus consolidated its position among the leading European countries in the kayak discipline.
