Fernando Pimenta, João Ribeiro and Messias Baptista defend world gold in Milan

Canoeists Fernando Pimenta, in K1 1,000 meters, and the duo João Ribeiro/Messias Baptista, in K2 500, will defend their world titles in Milan, between August 20 and 24.

In addition to this trio, who won gold in 2023 in Halifax, Canada, the selection of 12 athletes, six of each gender, also includes youngsters Gustavo Gonçalves and Pedro Casinha, who, together with João and Messias, were crowned European champions in K4 500, in June, in the Czech Republic.

Gustavo Gonçalves and Pedro Casinha, who helped put the Portuguese K4 back in the international elite, after missing Paris2024, with another composition, won the under-23 world title in K2 500 meters in July in Montemor-o-Velho.

In addition to his favorite event, the K1 1,000 meters, Fernando Pimenta will also compete in the K1 5,000, in which he has also been a regular international podium finisher, as well as the K1 500, in which he is traditionally less consistent.

The women's section is very rejuvenated, with Olympian Teresa Portela returning to the K1 200 meters, in addition to leading the K4 500, also absent from the Games, and which is completed by the young Ana Brito, Ana Rodrigues and Inês Costa, in a more complicated and time-consuming process of affirmation than the men's vessel.

In canoes, Portugal will have only female representation, with the under-23 world runner-up in C1 500 meters Beatriz Fernandes competing in the 200 meters, as well as C2 500, together with Inês Penetra.