Portugal’s canoeing veteran Fernando Pimenta has once again made history, winning two world titles at the age of 37 and further cementing his place among the country’s greatest athletes.
Pimenta secured gold in the K1 5,000m at the World Championships in Poznan, Poland, on Sunday, just 24 hours after becoming world champion in the 1,000m event.
The victory made Pimenta the oldest athlete ever to win the K1 5,000m world title and marked his 14th world championship gold across sprint and marathon canoeing.
“I’m so happy. This is my 14th world title and yesterday I won my 13th,” Pimenta said after the race. He added that he competed confidently, avoided unnecessary risks and maintained control throughout the event.
Pimenta also delivered a message to anyone questioning whether he could still compete at the highest level: “I’m back.”
The latest victory was his third world title in the K1 5,000m, ending a wait for another gold in the event that stretched back to 2018. During that period, he remained a consistent medal contender, earning three silver medals and a bronze.
187 International Medals and Counting
Pimenta’s overall record is even more impressive. He has now collected 187 international medals across World Cups, World and European Championships and the Olympic Games, in addition to his 14 world titles.
The Portuguese athlete turned 37 just two weeks before the championships, yet continues to compete successfully against athletes considerably younger than him.
Ricardo Machado, president of the Portuguese Canoeing Federation, praised Pimenta’s extraordinary longevity, determination and work ethic.
Machado described him as an exceptionally resilient athlete who continues to train and compete at an elite level despite his age, family responsibilities and long career.
He also said Pimenta represents the Portuguese spirit through his determination to compete against rivals with greater resources and still perform at the highest level.
With another two world titles added to his extraordinary medal collection, Pimenta has once again demonstrated that experience, ambition and perseverance can keep an athlete at the top of world sport well beyond the traditional peak years.