Portugal’s João Vieira, 49, Sets Record for World Champs Appearances

Few athletes ever stand on the start line of a World Championships once, let alone 14 times. Yet that is exactly what João Vieira — Portugal’s indefatigable race-walking specialist — did last week in Tokyo, quietly rewriting the record books while most of the planet focused on the sprint finals. His 20th-place finish over 35 km was not a podium run, but it cemented him as the most capped athlete in World Athletics Championship history, an achievement that resonates well beyond the tape.

A Familiar Face on the Start Line, Again

Even the Japanese crowd seemed to recognise him. At 49 years old Vieira has competed at every World Championships since 2001, missing only the 2017 edition through injury. Those 14 appearances move him past Spain’s Jesús Ángel García, who once looked untouchable on 13 participations. The new record was set in the 20th World Championships, hosted at the same National Stadium that staged athletics during the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Why This Matters Beyond the Medal Table

For newcomers to Portugal — and especially for those dabbling in local running clubs — race walking can feel like a niche curiosity. Yet in this country of barely 10 M people, endurance has long been a national calling card. Think Carlos Lopes bringing home Olympic marathon gold in 1984 or Rosa Mota’s European and Olympic dominance. Vieira’s record is therefore more than personal; it strengthens the narrative that Portugal repeatedly punches above its weight in distance events, giving locals and residents alike someone to root for on late-night broadcasts.

The Long Road from Rio Maior to Tokyo

Born in the small town of Rio Maior, north of Lisbon, Vieira claimed his first international medal in Moscow 2013 (bronze retroactively awarded in the 20 km) and stunned the sport with a silver over 50 km in Doha 2019. That Doha outing, held in brutal 40 °C humidity, made him the oldest medallist in championship history at 43. At one point he spoke of retiring after the 2021 Olympics, making this return to the Japanese capital a quiet defiance of his own timeline. He clocked 2:38:20 in the new 35 km format, well outside his career best, but left the stadium flashing a grin that suggested records sometimes outweigh result sheets.

Secrets of a 49-Year-Old Engine

Vieira’s training base remains Portugal, where mild winters allow year-round mileage on coastal promenades and forest tracks. Under the guidance of his wife and coach, former international walker Vera Santos, he alternates high-volume weeks with recovery blocks heavy on physiotherapy, sea-water swims and — as he once joked — “endless patience.” He publicly admits that he can no longer “go with the leaders” but emphasises a strong mind, consistent sleep and a refusal to skip strength work as the trinity that keeps him functional. For expatriates eyeing local clubs, his example underscores that the Portuguese system, though modest in funding, is surprisingly accommodating for masters-level athletes.

Portuguese Women Quietly Climb the Same Ladder

Vieira is not alone in the longevity stakes. Inês Henriques and Susana Feitor, both Portuguese race-walkers, have started 11 World Championships each, the joint record on the women’s side. Their persistence points to an ecosystem where experienced athletes mentor the next crop rather than vacate the stage. If you are raising sporty children in Portugal, do not be surprised if their school coach name-drops these women along with Vieira during PE lessons.

Planning Your Own Race Walk in Portugal

Curious to try race walking? Urban footpaths along Lisbon’s Tejo River or Porto’s Douro quays are popular among locals. Many clubs welcome foreigners; membership fees sit around €60-€90 per year and include access to weekend sessions and, crucially, federation insurance. The national body, Federação Portuguesa de Atletismo, offers an English portal outlining licensed events, including low-key festivals where amateurs can share the course — albeit briefly — with elites like Vieira during their tune-ups.

What Comes After 14? Vieira’s Open-Ended Farewell Tour

Asked in Tokyo whether 14 would suffice, Vieira shrugged. “I refuse to set the date,” he said, hinting that a 15th appearance is on the table for 2027. Given his age, each season could be the last; yet history suggests the man from Rio Maior excels at closing the gap between impossible and done. For Portugal’s growing expatriate community — many of whom have adopted the country precisely for its outdoor lifestyle — his story is a reminder that careers, like visas, can be renewed if the paperwork of passion, patience and persistence stays in order.