Teixeira Santana celebrates historic milestone for Sao Tome and Principe in Poznan

History has been made for Sao Tome and Principe after Herminia Teixeira Santana reached the women’s canoe single 500m B Final at the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Poznan, Poland. 

Having already represented Sao Tome and Principe at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Teixeira Santana has taken another significant step forward, reaching new heights on the world stage. 

The 22-year-old has continued her development through an Olympic Solidarity Athlete Scholarship and support from Paddle Worldwide’s development programme, gaining valuable coaching, training and international competition experience. 

“For me and my country, reaching the B Final at the World Championships is very important,” she said. 

“Not only because of the record it represents, which shows that we are really working towards this, but also because of the pride of competing among the best in the world and performing at a high level.” 

Over the past three months, Teixeira Santana has been working hard with Paddle Worldwide’s expert coaches to develop her paddling and been given the exposure to compete on the international stage. 

“The Paddle Worldwide development camp was very important to me during this period because it was where I learned many things,” said Teixeira Santana. 

“I changed the way I think and also the way I do things.  

“To be a champion, whether male or female, it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are.  

“You just have to believe, dedicate yourself and stay focused. It doesn’t depend on your body or your age, but on your mentality.” 

Teixeira Santana was keen to acknowledge those who have helped her along the way, particularly those involved with the Paddle Worldwide development programme.  

“I would like to thank Paddle Worldwide, Sebastian Cuattrin, coach Nikita and coach Marlene for their time, dedication, patience, toughness and for the way they taught me how to think,” she said. 

With the next Olympic Games just two years away, Santana is clear on her goals.  

“My biggest ambition in sport is to qualify for the Olympic Games in the most dignified way possible,” she added. 

 Joao Manuel Da Costa Alegre Afonso, President of the Confederation of African Canoeing and São Tomé and Príncipe Olympic Committee, also praised Paddle Worldwide’s development camp, emphasising the importance of investment and belief in the athletes from smaller nations.  

“I am very happy with Santana’s progress,” he said. 

“It’s a gigantic step, which meets our strategic objectives, but it still doesn’t fulfil our ambitions. 

“São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island national with many financial difficulties where investment is almost non-existent. 

“With the support of Olympic Solidarity as Herminia benefits from an Olympic fund for LA28, we are eager to travel this difficult path, which is to conquer a place among the best in world canoeing. 

“I also take this opportunity to thank Paddle Worldwide for its strategy of bringing together talented young people from different nations of the world, working together and giving them the opportunity to achieve better performance. 

“The example is clear: there is no success without investment, without a clear strategy. 

“We are sure that the results will stop for a short period, or rather, begin to stop. It is necessary to continue in this spirit in the Olympic Movement and in international sport in a more inclusive, more supportive and more gender-equal way. 

“Thank you to Olympic Solidarity, Paddle Worldwide, and especially the technical team led by the tireless Sebastian. Together we are stronger.” 

Paddle Worldwide Vice President, Dr. Cecilia Farias said: “Herminia’s achievement is a powerful example of what becomes possible when female athletes are given the opportunity, support and belief they deserve.  

“Through the commitment of National Federations and the Paddle Worldwide development programme, athletes from nations with smaller sporting structures can access high-quality coaching, international training environments and the experience needed to compete on the world stage. 

“We are incredibly proud to have supported Herminia through the Paddle Worldwide development programme, and we hope her journey demonstrates to athletes and federations around the world what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”