Seychelle’s Bronze Sends Powerful Message for Women at ICF SUP Worlds

Abu Dhabi, UAE — It was a historic and emotionally charged day at the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand Up Paddling World Championships, as Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera captured her nation’s first-ever SUP world title and Spain’s Sergio Cantoral rose to the top in a thrilling men’s sprint final. But one of the most powerful stories of the event so far came from bronze medalist Seychelle of the United States — competing just days after announcing that she is over three months pregnant.

In a field stacked with the sport’s top competitors, Seychelle delivered a performance that transcended athletic achievement. Paddling with her signature poise and precision, she crossed the finish line in 30.42 seconds, claiming third place behind Rivera (29.22) and Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey (29.81). The bronze marks a triumphant return to the podium for the 2023 world champion — and a defining moment for women in sports everywhere.

“When you are pregnant, everything is extra emotional,” Seychelle said following the race. “To make it on the podium and get a bronze medal this year, I feel very proud of myself. I’m really glad to be here doing this, very grateful.”

Photos courtesy: Seychelle / SIC Maui

Her words resonated far beyond the beach in Abu Dhabi. Competing while expecting, Seychelle demonstrated that strength, grace, and athletic excellence are not limited by circumstance. Her performance stands as a beacon of empowerment for women balancing motherhood and elite sport — a powerful reminder that pregnancy does not mark the end of an athlete’s journey, but can be part of it.

Rivera’s victory, meanwhile, marked a monumental milestone for Puerto Rico. The 32-year-old paddler led from the start and never let go, finishing in 29.22 to secure her first world title and her country’s first-ever gold medal at the ICF SUP World Championships.

“This means a lot as this is a first gold medal for Puerto Rico,” Rivera said. “There is a lot of pressure, but I’m opening the door for other athletes from my country that it is possible to do this.”

Photo courtesy: ICF / Planet Canoe

In the men’s race, 20-year-old Spaniard Sergio Cantoral edged out Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov by just 0.07 seconds to capture his first senior world title — an impressive feat in only his second year competing at the top level.

As the sun set over Abu Dhabi, the day’s events highlighted not only athletic excellence but the deeper human stories behind the sport — stories of perseverance, purpose, and power. Rivera made history for her country. Cantoral announced himself to the world. But Seychelle reminded everyone watching that the spirit of competition — and the strength of women — knows no limits.

Results

Women’s Sprint

1. Mariecarman RIVERA (PUR) 29.22
2. Alba ALONSO FREY (ESP) +0.59
3. Seychelle (USA)   +1.20

Men’s Sprint

1. Sergio CANTORAL (ESP)  23.92
2. Vadim KOROBOV (LTU)  +0.07
3. Andrii KRAITOR (BUL)  +0.53

Watch & Follow

Full Coverage: Watch on Planet Canoe YouTube Channel
Full Results: ICF SUP World Championships Results
Event Info: International Canoe Federation SUP