Portugal is once again at the top of the world in canoeing.
Portuguese athlete Fernando Pimenta won the K1 1000m world title at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, held in Poznań, Poland.
With this result, the Portuguese athlete has now secured his fourth world title in the distance, following his victories in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
The victory also highlights a Portuguese company that for decades has taken its expertise and technology to the world's leading canoeing events: NELO Kayaks, based in Vila do Conde.
A Portuguese Brand at the Top of Elite Sport
The partnership between Fernando Pimenta and NELO spans many years and has accompanied several of the athlete's most important career achievements. At this year's World Championships, Pimenta competed in his new Nelo Sete 7.
Founded in 1978 by Manuel Ramos, a former canoeist, NELO transformed its experience in the sport into a world-leading company specialising in the development and manufacture of high-performance racing kayaks and canoes.
The Portuguese company combines engineering, innovation and specialist expertise to develop equipment designed to meet the demanding requirements of elite athletes.
More Than 90% of Production Is Exported
NELO's international reach is also reflected in the figures.
According to data released by the company in connection with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, NELO had around 200 employees and an annual production capacity of approximately 4,000 kayaks and canoes.
More than 90% of its production was destined for export, reaching around 100 countries. In 2024, the company reported a turnover of approximately €10 million.
NELO's international presence is particularly visible at major sporting events. At the Paris Olympics, the brand equipped athletes from 38 countries, while 80% of the 140 kayaks used in the canoe sprint competition were manufactured in Portugal.
Since making its Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996, NELO had, at the time, accumulated 117 Olympic medals, including 37 gold medals.
Portuguese Innovation That Travels the World
NELO's history is an example of how specialist expertise can be transformed into an international competitive advantage.
The company develops its equipment in close collaboration with elite athletes, seeking to meet the demanding requirements for performance, aerodynamics, stability and efficiency that can make the difference at the highest level.
The result is a Portuguese brand with a presence in some of the world's most demanding markets, with its products reaching athletes from dozens of nationalities.
Fernando Pimenta's victory in Poznań now adds another chapter to this success story, once again highlighting the international reach of Made in Portugal.
