Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera secured an historic hat-trick of titles and Japan’s Shuri Araki bounced back to win gold on the final day of the International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Rivera became the first paddler to win three gold medals at a single World Championships as she followed up her success in the sprint and technical to capture the women’s long distance crown.
Having finished second in last year’s long distance final, there was further motivation for Rivera to come back and achieve gold as she surged to an impressive victory to wrap up a remarkable week.
Araki was also fuelled by the past disappointment as he responded to missing out on gold in Saturday’s men’s technical to retain the men’s long distance title.
Click here for live startlists and results from Abu Dhabi
The two long distance finals capped a thrilling five days of competition as UAE staged the World Championships for the first time.
Ater success on Friday in the sprint and Saturday in the technical, Rivera came out determined to complete a stunning golden treble.
Spaniards Duna Gordillo and Alba Alonso Frey were pushing to get the better of Rivera but the Puerto Rican proved too strong.
As the finish line came into sight, Rivera found an extra gear as she pulled away and triumphed in 1:02:04.11.
“I’m living a dream,” said Rivera.
“It’s amazing, I feel great.
“I worked for it and in the end I got it so I am really happy.
“I felt confident and strong, and when I started the race I thought this is going to be difficult as the girls were super strong too.
“I just needed to be patient and when you see the moment, you just go for it and that’s what I did.”
It was the same top three as Saturday’s women’s technical final as Gordillo picked up silver and Alonso Frey bagged bronze.
Gordillo finished in 1:02:07.36 to seal second spot, while Alonso Frey completed the podium in 1:02:11.33 after seeing off Japan’s Rika Okuaki.
It was a third successive medal for Alonso Frey after silver in sprint and bronze in technical.
There was drama in the closing stages of the men’s long distance final as Araki emerged victorious.
Heading into the last buoy, Araki faced a strong challenge from fellow Japanese paddler Rai Taguchi.
But Taguchi fell in the water, allowing Araki to power clear as he clinched gold in 55:45.95.
“That was so tough for me but it was a great race,” said Araki.
“This kind of race is very difficult but since I was little I have been training in the deep open ocean in front of my house.
“I lost yesterday so today I was so focused for this race and I won it.
“My father designed me a new board and that was so good.
“I’m so thankful for that. He is supporting me every second of every day. I am also thankful for my family and all my supporters and sponsors.”
Spain’s Aaron Sanchez Quetglas, the winner of Saturday’s men’s technical title, also made the most of Taguchi’s error as he won silver in 55:49.21.
Taguchi managed to recover to claim bronze in 55:52.78 as Japan celebrated two medals on the final day.
Results
Men’s Long Distance
- Shuri ARAKI (JPN) 55:45.95
- Aaron SANCHEZ QUETGLAS (ESP) +3.26
- Rai TAGUCHI (JPN) +6.83
Women’s Long Distance
- Mariecarmen RIVERA (PUR) 1:02:04.11
- Duna GORDILLO (ESP) +3.25
- Alba ALONSO FREY (ESP) +7.22
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