Strong emotions on the last day of the 2024 FISU World University Championships Canoe Sports!

On the last day of competition at the ’24 FISU World University Championship Canoe Sports the setting couldn’t have been more favorable. The bright sunshine provided ideal conditions for the athletes in the calm waters of the High Performance Center. The crowd in the stands, in perfect harmony with the event, brought a contagious energy that turned each race into a memorable experience and an extra source of motivation for the competing athletes.

Today’s schedule culminated in 16 finals, of which Hungary, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Portugal were the countries that took to the podium to win gold medals.

It was in the women’s C1 500m final that Portugal began to shine. The athlete Beatriz Fernandes, with a beautiful display of determination, gave the host country its first gold medal, which thrilled everyone present.

Portugal triumphed again in the K2 500m race, where the duo Gustavo Gonçalves and Pedro Casinha, with a synchronized paddle, brought the crowd to its feet by crossing the finish line in first place.

The day of victories for Portugal also saw Maria Rei win the women’s K1 marathon final. With a brilliant performance, she won another gold medal for the host country. The athlete, visibly moved, celebrated enthusiastically, drawing warm applause from the audience, who cheered her on with yet another victory on home soil.

Finally, in the last final of the World University Championships, there was another victory for Portugal, won by Tiago Henriques in the men’s K1 Marathon. The crowd was euphoric and the Portuguese athletes couldn’t hide their pride and emotion as they celebrated this memorable achievement.

The closing ceremony ended with the handing over of the Fisu flag to Mr. László Foltán, representing the Organizing Committee of the 2026 FISU World University Championship Canoe Sports, which will be held in Székesfehérvár, Hungary.