Ukrainian Canoe Paddler Michuda Receives Latvian Citizenship

Canoe paddler Michuda, originally from Ukraine, is gaining Latvian citizenship. He has lived in Latvia since 2022 in order to continue canoeing, and he wants to represent Latvia in international competitions going forward. The decision matters for Latvian canoeing, since the athlete could in future join the national team.

Life and training in Latvia

Michuda trains at the Limbaži Municipality Sports School and takes part in the preparation programme for Latvian athletes. He is learning Latvian and integrating into Latvian society. The athlete says he wants to tie his future professional and personal life to Latvia.

Results so far

Michuda has previously competed at European and world championships and has also won medal-placed finishes at Latvian championships. In 2025, at the European U-23 Championships (for athletes under 23), he took 12th place over 500 metres. At the U-23 World Championships he was 33rd over 1,000 metres, and in World Cup competition over the same distance he finished 29th.

Backing from sports bodies

His admission to Latvian citizenship is supported by the Latvian Canoe Federation and the Latvian Olympic Committee. Both organisations point to the athlete's potential to represent Latvia in international competitions in future, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The report was prepared by the LETA news agency, drawing on information published by the Saeima, Latvia's parliament.