Mariecarmen Rivera made history for Puerto Rico and Spain’s Sergio Cantoral announced himself on the big stage on a gripping day of sprint action at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
It was a first world title for both paddlers, with 32-year-old Rivera ending her long wait for gold and 20-year-old Cantoral achieving top spot in only his second year on the senior international circuit.
Both sprint finals went down to the wire as Rivera overcame Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey by 0.59 and Cantoral edging Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov by a mere 0.07.
Click here for live startlists and results from Abu Dhabi
It was an historic moment for Rivera as she captured Puerto Rico’s first gold medal in the history of the ICF SUP World Championships.
There was also an emotional medal for Sey Chelle of the United States who sealed bronze just a week after announcing that she was three months pregnant.
After missing out on top honours in the women’s long distance last year, Rivera came out firing in her bid for gold.
Rivera quickly established herself in first position and managed to stay in front as she powered across the finish line in 29.22 for victory.
“I am super happy, this is my first world title so it’s an amazing day and amazing feeling,” said Rivera.
“This means a lot as this is a first gold medal for Puerto Rico.
“There is a lot of pressure and I’m opening the door for other athletes from my country that it is possible to do this.
“I am always motivated as I love this sport, it’s my passion so it’s easy to train and give my best in every competition.”
Alonso Frey, who picked up sprint bronze last year, added another world medal with silver in 29.81.
There was delight for 2023 world champion Sey Chelle who overcame Greece’s Kyriaki Logotheti to take bronze in 30.42.
“I have a lot of mixed feelings right now because as an athlete you are always going for gold but to make it on the podium and get a bronze medal this year I feel very proud of myself,” said Sey Chelle.
“When you are pregnant, everything is extra emotional but I do feel emotional and this is a really important statement to make. I am really glad to be here doing this, very grateful.”
The men’s sprint final was a three-way tussle for top spot with just 0.53 separating Cantoral, Korobov and defending champion Andrii Kraitor.
Cantoral, a two-time junior world gold medallist, held off the experienced pairing of Korobov and Kraitor to achieve gold in 23.92.
Korobov was denied the world title by a narrow margin as he picked up silver in 23.99, while Kraitor bagged bronze in 24.45.
“Right now, I don’t have any words to describe these feelings,” said Cantoral.
“It’s a dream come true. I’m on cloud nine right now and I don’t know what to say.
“I was feeling a bit behind at the start but the next thing I remember was being at the finish line and they were pointing at me. When I heard Sergio Cantoral, I couldn’t believe it.
“Last year, I was in the seniors but it was hard to step up from the junior to be up against the strong guys.
“It was a dream to just be in the final with such big names and strong people so to take the win is a dream come true.”
Results
Women’s Sprint
- Mariecarman RIVERA (PUR) 29.22
- Alba ALONSO FREY (ESP) +0.59
- Sey CHELLE (USA) +1.20
Men’s Sprint
- Sergio CANTORAL (ESP) 23.92
- Vadim KOROBOV (LTU) +0.07
- Andrii KRAITOR (BUL) +0.53
Full coverage of the ICF SUP World Championships from Friday to Sunday can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
Join Planet Canoe's YouTube channel for €9.99 per month to unlock members-only content and features
Read YouTube's frequently asked questions for more details.
Related links
- Technical races thrill as Japanese and Spanish impress in Abu Dhabi
- Pregnant Seychelle paddling with pride at ICF SUP World Championships
- SUP sprint stars sizzle on opening day in Abu Dhabi
