Fernando PIMENTA (POR)

Set to compete in the K1 1000 at Paris 2024, the two-time Olympic medallist has a stellar medal record. He won Olympic silver on his debut at London 2012 in the K2 1000 and bronze at Tokyo 2020 in the K1 1000. He and Emanuel Silva became the first Portuguese Canoe Sprint athletes to win a medal at the Olympic Games in 2012. He is also a five-time K1 world champion.

Ponte de Lima

Athlete, Student

Health Studies - Fernando Pessoa University: Ponte de Lima

He took up the sport at age 11 at Clube Nautico de Ponte de Lima in Portugal

"I thought it would be a new experience and I wanted to do something with my free time during summer."

Cycling, swimming, running, watching films, eating out with friends

Clube Nautico de Ponte de Lima: Portugal

Helio Lucas Araujo [club]; Jose Sousa [club]

Winning silver in the K2 1000m at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

"Your dreams command your life." (sapo.com, 16 Apr 2014)

In May 2015 he was named Grand Official of the Order of Prince Henry in Portugal. (fernandopimenta.com, 27 May 2015)He was named the 2014 Male Athlete of the Year by the Portuguese Canoeing Federation [FPC]. The award was shared with Emanuel Silva, Joao Ribeiro and David Fernandes. (sporting.pt, 13 Feb 2015)He was the flag bearer for Portugal at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. (fernandopimenta.com, 27 May 2015)He won a Portuguese Golden Globe for Best Male Sportsperson in 2012. The award was shared with Emanuel Silva. He was a finalist for the same award in 2015 but lost out to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. (atelevisao.com, 19 May 2013; ominho.pt, 16 May 2016)

NATIONAL FIRST He and Emanuel Silva became the first Portuguese sprint paddlers to win a medal at the Olympic Games. The pair claimed silver in the K2 1000m at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. (SportsDeskOnline, 10 Aug 2015; Facebook page, 08 May 2016)

Olympics: Silver - 1, Bronze - 1; World Championships: Gold - 5, Silver - 7, Bronze - 5.