Aurimas Lankas

Aurimas Lankas (born 7 September 1985) is a Lithuanian former canoe sprinter and current sports administrator. He won a bronze medal in the K-2 200 m event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro alongside Edvinas Ramanauskas, Lithuania's second-ever Olympic medal in canoeing. He has served as President of the Lithuanian Canoe Federation since 2024.

Early life and education

Lankas was born in Šiauliai and began paddling at age 10–11, introduced to the sport by his father Antanas, who later became his coach. He attended Šiauliai Didždvaris Gymnasium, graduating in 2004. In 2009, he earned a law degree from Vilnius University, specialising in criminal law, and in 2019 completed a Master's in Physical Culture and Sport Pedagogy at Šiauliai University.

Career

Lankas returned to elite competition in 2009, training with the club Irklo Broliai under coaches Antanas Lankas and Romualdas Petrukanecas.

Post-athletic career

Lankas retired from competitive sport in 2024. In December 2024, he was elected President of the Lithuanian Canoe Federation (LBKIF), with his former K-2 partner Edvinas Ramanauskas appointed General Secretary.