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Fernando Pimenta had another excellent season. 29-year-old paddler first won European Champion title in the 1000 metres event in K1, and added silver and bronze medal from the European Championships in Belgrade in the 500 and 5000 metres events. He won two World Champion titles in front of his fans at the World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho.

 

This was the fourth time in a row Pimenta was voted sportsman of the year by the Portuguese Olympic Committee. “Portuguese canoeing is not just Fernando, it's also Emanuel Silva, who is here, and with whom I won the silver medal in London in 2012. There are also Teresa Portela and Joana Vasconcelos, European Champions,” Pimenta pointed out and of course he did not forget his coach Helio Lucas.

 

 

Pimenta, who left his local club Nautical Club of Ponte de Lima after 18 years and signed a contract with world known club Benfica until December 2021 early this year, is already looking ahead to continue his success at international level, “The main goal is the Olympic qualification. It's only in August 2019, but the preparation starts now. I am very focused as I have always been so far. If I have to give up the things I've left out so far, be away from family and friends, which is what costs the most, I miss out. Psychologically I'm prepared and physically too. I know the way I have to go until I get there,” Pimenta said.

 

He was not the only canoeing winner of the night, though. José Ramalho, six times European Canoe Marathon Champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018), received an ethic award for his action at the World Championships that was held in Portugal. Ramalho, who was one of the favourites for the World Champion title, experienced serious equipment failure during his race, which cost him a lot of time. He was more than a minute behind his main rivals because of this since he and his team tried to repair the damage. He remained persistent and did not give up, despite chasing the rivals and being at the end of his strength he finished sixth. His approach to the competition earned him the award of the Portuguese Olympic Committee.