Emanuel Silva confirmed this Wednesday the end of his career, which took place last weekend, in Montemor-o-Velho, a fact that our newspaper had already revealed. On social media, the 38-year-old canoeist, with five Olympic participations – he won a silver medal in London’2012 in the K2 1000 with Fernando Pimenta – said that he is now ending “a chapter of almost three decades as a high-performance athlete”, making -he with his “head held high” and “proud of the achievements” he gave “to canoeing and Portuguese sport”.
The native of Braga also mentions having “experienced moments of great joy, but also of deep emotion”, in a career “full of teachings and personal growth”. And every laugh and every tear shaped me, transforming me not just as an athlete, but as a human being.”
Emanuel Silva also leaves a word of gratitude to everyone who was by his side “on this long journey”: “coaches, health professionals, the Portuguese Canoeing Federation, the Portuguese Olympic Committee, the municipalities that welcomed me into the clubs I represented , generous sponsors, loyal friends and my loving family.”
Without revealing any further details, he states that there will be new projects for the future “full of challenges and opportunities”. “I will be there, promptly, with the same determination and ambition, seeking to achieve success in each endeavor.”
And he ends by thanking Portugal “for every unforgettable moment”.
