Portugal returned from Taranto with the best result in its history at the Mediterranean Games. In its third national appearance, the Portuguese team finished eighth overall in the medal count, winning 32 awards.
The team, consisting of 168 athletes, participated in 30 disciplines and earned 32 medals, half of which were gold. In Italy, which hosted the competition, the country led in the number of awards, collecting 224 medals.
In athletics, the Portuguese anthem sounded six times on the podium, including victories in the 400m, 1500m, 5000m races, 4x100m relays, and in heavy metal and discus throws.
Camila Rebelo returned to Portugal with two gold medals in swimming—in the 100m and 200m backstroke events. Her teammate, Francisca Martins, won the 400m open water race in Taranto.
Canoeists Bruno Braziliero and Ana Brito won victories in the K1 1000m and K1 500m disciplines, respectively. In judo, Juan Fernando topped the podium in the -81 kg category.
The women's U17 football team, as well as teams in padel, mountain biking, and karate (+68 kg kumite), added to the tally of gold medals won in Taranto by Italy.
In swimming, Ana Pinheiro Rodrigues won silver in the 50m breaststroke event. Francisca Martins also received three bronze medals: for the 200m and 800m freestyle, as well as in the 4x100m medley, in which three other athletes participated.
Similar to speed figure skating, cycling brought another silver and one bronze medal. It is worth noting the third place of Miguel Frasau and Filipe Frasau in fencing, as well as Inês Oliveira in rowing.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro congratulated the Portuguese athletes on their results in Taranto on Thursday, expressing pride in them: 'This demonstrates the superiority of our athletes in various disciplines.'
Portugal achieved its best result in the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, winning 32 medals, 16 of which were gold!
Luís Montenegro noted: 'A result we are very proud of, and which demonstrates the superiority of our athletes in various disciplines. We will continue to support...'
He also added: 'Congratulations to everyone on an excellent performance, on raising our flag and our determination with such an ability to overcome difficulties and work.'
The Mediterranean Games gathered thousands of athletes from 27 countries and three continents of the Mediterranean basin. The closing ceremony of the Mediterranean Games 2026 will take place at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on RTP Play.