In what were the final metres of the 2026 Open Water World Cup season, the German Olympic silver medallist was in a league of his own.

Having won the previous two rounds, his strong form was on show. Klemet set a relentless pace on the final lap - one that would result in him winning the race by more than four seconds.

Speaking on his tactics, he said: “I started pretty well in the 1500m and 1000m, I felt like I had everything under control.

“Then I just tried to win the first turn in the 500m and lead all the way - I think it was a good tactic.”

Speaking after the race, Klemet admitted that this season hasn’t been his best, but expressed how glad he was to finish the World Cup season on such a high note.

“The series didn't go so well for me so far. I'm really happy about this race, but I didn’t start very well in the World Cup series.

“I was injured at the start of the season, but now every World Cup has gotten better and better. And I'm happy with this last race.”

Klemet’s approach to the final round was clear from the off, setting a blistering pace which asked a lot of his peers and made us question whether he could maintain it until the end.

“I always find it hard to race next to someone and to fight a lot, so I try to avoid the fighting. And pretty much the only option to avoid the fighting is to lead all the way.

“That's why I just tried to lead all the way. And I think at the end, the 500 is so fast that if you lead from the start and you don't have to fight, it's a big advantage. And at the end, most of the time, it helps you to win the race.”
By Oliver Klemet

Klemet and his German teammates were at an altitude training camp prior to racing in Setúbal, and will return to altitude post event ahead of the European Championships.

Speaking on his next challenge, Klemet said: “Europeans is the next goal - between the pool and open water it’s a lot of racing. But it [medal win] definitely gives me mental strength and confidence leading into Europeans.

Veterans Round Out Podium

Two of open water's most decorated athletes, Gregorio Paltrinieri and Marc-Antoine Olivier, completed the final podium in Portugal, winning silver and bronze, respectively.

In what was a stacked field, Paltrinieri had the best response to Klemet’s attack on the final lap. Speaking after the race, the 19-time World Cup medallist said: “The last one was my best one, I felt good during the 500m.

“I just tried to stay with the guys for the first 100 meters and then try to pick up a good pace past Marco and David that were in front of me, and it was a good finish. So I'm really, really happy with my performance today.”

Olivier, who also won bronze in yesterday’s 10km race, got his hand to the touch-pad just 0.4 of a second ahead of fourth place finisher - and Overall 2026 World Cup Leader - David Betlehem.

Completing the top six were Italian teammates Andrea Filadelli and Dario Verani, making it an entirely European top-six.