Fernando Pimenta became a double world champion in canoeing at the World Championships in Poznan, winning gold medals in the 1,000-meter distance and in the 5,000 meters. At 37 years old, the Portuguese athlete made history by becoming the oldest champion and the most decorated athlete ever in the 5,000-meter distance. In his statements after the victory, Pimenta said it was one of the most perfect races he has completed in the five thousand, dominating the regatta from the front and managing to sprint at the end to win.
The athlete from Ponte de Lima and Benfica dedicated the medals to his family, especially to his wife Joana, whom he called "the best companion and friend, 'mental' coach and listener," and to his children Margarida and Santiago, stating that it is for them that everything makes sense. Pimenta also reiterated that in 2023 he had said he was one of the most resilient and strongest athletes on the planet, demonstrating just that with this victory.
The president of the Portuguese Canoeing Federation, Ricardo Machado, rejoiced at the results, stating that Portugal surpassed the performance of the 2025 World Championships with 4 medals, surpassing the previous record of 3. The President of the Republic also reacted to the feat, stating that Fernando Pimenta reaffirms his place among the greatest names in the history of Portuguese sport.
