Longford 's Jake Bermingham wins Gold at ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup
Longford paddler Jake Bermingham has made history by winning gold at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup in Millau, France.
He produced a stunning performance to top a world-class international field and become the first Irish paddler ever to win a Junior Men's gold medal at an ICF Freestyle World Cup. Competing in the K1 Junior Men's event, Jake put together an exceptional series of rides throughout the competition before delivering a superb final run to finish first with an incredible 1,148.33 points, securing the World Cup title in style.
The victory sees Jake crowned K1 Junior Men's World Cup Champion, a remarkable achievement for the young Irish paddler and a proud moment for Inny Kayakers, County Longford and Canoeing Ireland.
Facing some of the world's best junior freestyle kayakers, Jake displayed outstanding skill, consistency and composure, producing powerful, high-scoring rides when it mattered most to claim the top step of the podium.
Everyone at Inny Kayakers is immensely proud of Jake's achievement.
Club Chairperson David Donnelly said: "This is an incredible result for Jake, his family and our club. Winning an ICF World Cup gold medal is a phenomenal achievement and is the reward for Jake's dedication, hard work and commitment. Jake has inspired so many of our younger paddlers, and we couldn't be prouder of what he has accomplished on the world stage."
The club would also like to thank everyone who has supported Jake throughout his journey, including his family, coaches David McClure and Bartosz Czauderna, teammates, Canoeing Ireland, sponsors Longford Sports Partnership, Affinity Credit Union, Pyranha Kayaks, and NRS, along with his supporters, whose encouragement has helped him compete at the highest level.
Jake wasn't the only Bermingham making an impression in Millau.
Younger brother Luke Bermingham also delivered an excellent performance on the international stage. After taking on the additional challenge of competing in the Senior Men's C1 category, where he finished an impressive 11th.
Luke went on to finish 10th in the K1 Junior Men's competition. Competing in two disciplines against experienced international paddlers, Luke showed great determination and versatility, gaining valuable experience as he continues to establish himself as one of Ireland's most promising young freestyle athletes.
Both Jake and Luke will return to international competition in September, when they travel to Kraków, Poland, for the second event of the 2026 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup Series, where they will once again represent Ireland on the world stage.
Jake's gold medal, combined with Trim Canoe Club paddler Leah Hough's silver medal in the Senior
Women's K1 event, marked an outstanding weekend for the Irish Freestyle Kayaking Team, with 15 paddlers representing Ireland in Millau, and demonstrated that Irish athletes can compete with and beat the very best in the world.
“Congratulations to Jake on becoming K1 Junior Men's ICF Freestyle World Cup Champion, and to Luke on another outstanding international performance representing Ireland with distinction,” Mr Donnelly added.