Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2025. 10:47 am CST.
Francisca Cruz-Pfaender, left, and Ruth Cruz won bronze in the K2 500m race in canoeing at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala. Photo Credit: Belize Canoe Association
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Ruth Cruz and Francisca Cruz-Pfaender have etched their names into Belizean sporting history, winning the country’s first-ever international medal in Canoe Sprint at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala, according to Belize Canoe Association President Elvin Penner.
The duo powered to bronze in the K2 500m event, delivering a great performance for Belize on the waters of Lake Petén Itzá in neighbouring Petén.
Their achievement not only marks a breakthrough for canoeing in Belize but also rounds out a four-medal haul for the national delegation at this year’s regional Games. Though that number may seem modest compared to other countries, for Belize it remains a significant accomplishment.
Andres Cabb and Cristian Lopez are also competing, adding further promise to Belize’s representation in the sport.
Belize’s Canoeing National Team (L-R: Andres Cabb, Cristian Lopez, Francisca Cruz-Pfaender, and Ruth Cruz) along with Belize Canoe Association Preside Elvin Penner, left, at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala on Friday, October 24, 2025. Photo Credt: Belize Canoe Association
Nyasha Harris Opens the Medal Count with Silver in 100 Metres
Earlier in the Games, Harris made headlines by sprinting to silver in the Women’s 100 Metres final with a time of 11.86 seconds, becoming Belize’s first medallist in Quetzaltenango. Her performance set the tone for the team’s campaign and inspired fellow athletes to rise to the occasion.
Brandon Jones Delivers Bronze in Triple Jump
On October 21, Brandon Jones secured Belize’s third medal with a clutch performance in the Men’s Triple Jump. Competing at 7,982 feet above sea level, Jones recorded a best leap of 15.49 metres, placing third behind El Salvador’s Fernando Reyes, who won gold with a jump of 15.78 metres. His technical precision and mental fortitude added to Belize’s growing success.
Women’s Volleyball Team Clinch Historic Bronze
Belize’s Women’s National Volleyball Team made history with a 3–1 victory over Guatemala at the Gimnasio Teodoro Palacios Flores in Guatemala City. The bronze medal match saw Belize triumph with set scores of 25–13, 25–19, 14–25, 25–21, securing the country’s first-ever volleyball medal at the Central American Games. Costa Rica won gold over Nicaragua.
With one silver and three bronze medals, Belize’s athletes have displayed, talent, and national pride across track, court, and water. Cruz and Cruz-Pfaender’s canoeing milestone stands as a beacon for future canoeing generations.
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Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2025. 10:47 am CST. Francisca Cruz-Pfaender, left, and Ruth Cruz won bronze in the K2 500m race in canoeing at the XII
The post Central American Games: Ruth Cruz & Francisca Cruz-Pfaender make history, earn Belize’s 4th medal appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
