Portugal secures its first U23 world rowing gold in Duisburg

Pedro Rodrigues and Tomás Neves won the men’s U23 double sculls (BM2x) at the World Rowing Championships in Duisburg, Germany, completing the 2,000‑metre race in 6:20.83 and beating German (6:23.37) and Irish (6:25.76) crews. It is Portugal’s first gold medal at the U23 level in rowing.

President of the Republic António José Seguro publicly congratulated the duo, praising their talent, dedication and the support of the Portuguese Rowing Federation, coaches and clubs. The federation’s president Luís Faria called the victory a historic moment for Portuguese rowing. The next day Portugal will have two more athletes, Diogo Gonçalves (men’s single sculls) and João Veloso (women’s single sculls), competing in final A races.

The achievement is celebrated as a milestone that showcases the growth of rowing in Portugal and the potential of its young athletes on the international stage.