MONTEMOR-O-VELHO, June 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: Swedish kayaker Melina Andersson delivered an impressive performance at the European Sprint Championships in Portugal, securing the silver medal in the women’s K1 1,000-meter event.
Andersson finished just 0.95 seconds behind Hungary’s Emese Kohalmi, who claimed the gold medal after a strong race. The Swedish paddler comfortably held off Italy’s Lucrezia Zironi, crossing the finish line two seconds ahead of the bronze medalist.
Earlier on Saturday, Andersson also competed in the women’s K4 500-meter Olympic-distance event alongside teammates Moa Wikberg, Julia Lagerstam, and Ella Richter. The Swedish quartet finished ninth in the final standings.
The silver medal adds to Andersson’s strong season and highlights her continued success on the international stage. She will have another opportunity to reach the podium on Sunday when she competes in the K1 5,000-meter race in Montemor-o-Velho.
According to a press release from the Swedish Canoe Federation, Andersson enters the event in excellent form, having already won the K1 5,000-meter race twice during this year’s World Cup season.
Her achievements at the European Sprint Championships further strengthen Sweden’s presence in international canoeing and underline Andersson’s status as one of the leading competitors in long-distance kayaking.
