2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships – Day 3

First Medalist Highlights: Day 3 Sprint Races at SUP World Championships 2025, Abu Dhabi!

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 edged Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov by a mere 0.07.

It was a landmark 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.

Alonso Frey, who picked up sprint bronze last year, added another world medal with silver in 29.81, while 2023 world champion Sey Chelle earned bronze in 30.42.

The men’s sprint final was a three-way tussle for top spot with just 0.53 separating Cantoral, Korobov and defending championAndrii Kraitor of Bulgaria.

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.