A decade after standing on top of the world in Banja Luka, Emil Milihram returned to the same water and produced one of the most emotional victories of his career.
Aged 43, the Croatian paddler pulled off a stunning performance to win men’s canoe classic gold at the International Canoe Federation Wildwater Canoeing World Championships.
For Milihram, the moment was about far more than another medal.
After 10 years away from the top of the podium, and with many doubting whether he could still compete at the sport’s highest level, the Milihram delivered a result that even he struggled to believe.
“This win feels extraordinary,” said Milihram.
“I actually don’t remember the last time I was so happy during a race.”
The symmetry of the achievement made it even more special. His last world title had also come in Banja Luka exactly 10 years earlier, creating a full-circle moment on the same stretch of water where he once believed he’d already reached his all-time achievement.
“After such a long time to come back and get this result, it’s really just an unbelievable feeling,.” he said.
Now, at 43-years-old, Milihram admitted many people believed it was impossible to continue performing at such a high level for so long.
Instead, he produced one of the standout performances of the championships, driven by the same love for training and racing that has carried him throughout his career.
“It’s definitely the greatest peak of my life,” he said.
“I really love this sport, and to be honest, I couldn’t live without it.”
“The same goes with training, I don’t function without training; I need it like I need food.”
While the gold medal represents a career-defining achievement, Milihram says it also changes the way he approaches the rest of the season.
Rather than chasing every result, he now wants to appreciate the moment and enjoy competing without pressure.
“I won’t compete at any upcoming World Cup events,” added Milihram.
“I want to sit back, smile, and enjoy the competitions,
“It’s an amazing life achievement to get this medal.”
Despite the emotion of the victory, Milihram’s attention quickly turned towards the races still to come and with his confidence at its peak, he’s ready to get back out on the water.
“I can maybe take a medal [in the sprint category],” he said.
“One second, one mistake – it can change your whole race so, it’s a lottery.
“I feel very confident now, I feel like I could do anything.”
Photos by Leon Seferovic
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