In July 2017, a time of 33.380 was set that has become the benchmark for anyone with aspirations to become the world’s fastest kayaker.
Liam Heath of Great Britain was the man who registered that world record mark when he stormed to the men’s kayak single 200m European title in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Eight years later, that sensational time remains the world’s best – and Portugal’s Messias Baptista is determined to be the man to better it.
The Portuguese speedster will line up at next week’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships as the defending champion in the men’s K1 200m, itching to set a record.
“Of course, saying that I’m the fastest kayaker in the world is a very good thing,” said Baptista.
“I would like to break the world record.
“In canoeing, that’s a little difficult as you need to have the right conditions, but it’s possible.
“Last year, I was getting there.
“Hopefully, this year or next year, I can manage to get that world record, and that would mean a lot to me.
“It’s a very high achievement, but if I can do it, I can truly say that I’m the fastest ever.”
As well as gunning for the men’s K1 200m crown, Baptista is seeking to retain the men’s kayak double 500m title and will be pushing for top honours in the men’s kayak four 500m.
Baptista teamed up with Joao Ribeiro to seal the men’s K2 500m world title in 2023, and they were both in Portugal’s men’s K4 500m boat with Gustavo Goncalves and Pedro Casinha that captured the European crown in June this year.
It is set to be a hectic few days on the water for Baptista in Milan, but one that the Portuguese paddler is relishing as he prepares to attack on all three fronts.
Baptista has already proven that he can deliver fast times amongst a busy race schedule after claiming gold in the men’s K1 200m and mixed K2 500m in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, last year.
“That schedule was crazy,” said Baptista.
“I have never done something like that at a World Championships before.
“When I finished the K2 500m, I had four more races between heats and semi-finals, so it was a very hard day.
“But I was feeling good, and when you are doing one race after another, you can’t think, so you just do it.
“When I did the K1 200m, it was the same. I became world champion, and then 20 minutes later, I was in the K4. It was very chaotic, but I kind of liked it.”
What made Baptista’s achievements in Samarkand even more impressive was that it came just two weeks after he experienced pain in Paris.
As the reigning world champions, Baptista and Ribeiro fancied their chances of winning a medal at the Olympic Games, but they finished in sixth position.
“I’m not going to lie, it was very difficult,” said Baptista.
“The Olympic Games and World Championships were separated by only two weeks.
“Before the Olympic Games, I talked with the Portuguese Canoe Federation, and we agreed that I was going to participate in Uzbekistan.
“Of course, the result in Paris was not what I was hoping for.
“It was very hard to continue training, but I knew what I was doing and the form I was in, so I knew I could do something very good in Uzbekistan, and that’s what happened.
“I’m very grateful that I could overcome that feeling in Paris and win medals at the World Championships.
Reflecting on the Olympic Games in Paris, Baptista added, “I never felt so great going into the Olympic Games.
“My partner and I trained very hard, and we were feeling great, but that is sport. It was not our day in the final in Paris.
“Winning a world title is always good so that was a boost in confidence.
“Paris is not going to define me or my partner. I can only hope for a better Olympic cycle now, so we will see what it brings.”
Baptista says that he is out to “avenge” his Paris 2024 disappointment in the men’s K2 500m in Milan, while he seeks to defend his men’s K1 200m crown and aims to help Portugal become world champions in the men’s K4 500m.
The World Championships will kickstart Baptista’s mission to reach his third Olympic Games in Los Angeles in three years.
“To participate in one Olympic Games is a dream,” said the 26-year-old.
“To participate in two Olympic Games is more than a dream, so if I manage to participate in a third, it will be really, reallyawesome.
“It shows my hard work, as that’s what I’m training for.
“It’s still a long road to LA.
“This year is a little bit more chilled in a way, but I really hope we can grow the Portuguese team and build the K4.
“I would very much like to participate in LA in K2 and K4.
“We will see what the future brings, and we can only work hard for that main goal.
“I really want an Olympic medal, and if I can get it in LA in K2 or in K4, I will be pleased and pretty much done.”
Related links
