Cuba won two gold medals on Wednesday, the first day of the canoeing tournament at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026. The medals were awarded in the women’s and men’s 500-meter double canoe (C-2) events. Which will be held until the 7th at the Presa Rincón Rowing and Canoeing Center.
Yarisleidis Cirilo Dubois and her sister Diorgina reached the top of the podium with times of 1:58.24 minutes. Followed by the Colombians (1:59.68) and the Mexicans (2:08.75), respectively.
José Ramón Pelier and Tabiany Diéguez crossed the finish line first with a time of 1:41.61 minutes. Ahead of the Venezuelans (1:43.38) and the Colombians (1:45.01), in that order.
On Wednesday, they also competed for Cuba, but in the preliminary rounds. In the single-person kayak (K-1) 1000 and 200 meters. With Cristian Cuellar (3:48.43 minutes) and Geduar González (38.16 seconds), who finished third in their respective heats.
Tomorrow, the action continues with six direct finals in the C-1 200 meters (women). C-1 1000 meters (men), K-1 500 meters (women), K-2 500 meters (men), C-2 500 meters mixed, and K-2 500 meters mixed. As well as the semifinals of the K-1 200 meters (men) and K-1 1000 meters (men).
Also the team from the largest of the Antilles is once again led by Cirilo, Olympic bronze medalist in the single-seater (C-1) 200 meters (men) in Paris. Also where he was also a finalist in the double-seater (C-2) 500 meters.
Another standout on the Central American and Caribbean team is Pelier, winner of the B final of the C-1 1000 meters at the Paris Games.
It’s worth noting that Cirilo will also compete in the C-1 200 meters. Under the direction of coach Nelson Perales.
Pelier is under the tutelage of coach Serguei Torres, Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion. In the C-2 1000 meters, he and Cirilo will compete in the mixed C-2 500 meters.
The female kayaker is Sujaili Sardiñas, competing in the K-1 200 and 500 meters and the mixed K-2 500 meters with González. Cuba will not compete in the K-4 or K-2 events.
With information from the Cuban News Agency
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