Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2025. 11:32 am CST.
Cristian Lopez won bronze in the Men’s K1 200m race in canoeing at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Belize Canoe Association
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Belize’s medal tally at the XII Central American Games has risen to five, following a commanding performance by Cristian Lopez in the Men’s K1 200m Canoe Sprint on Lake Petén Itzá in neighbouring Petén, Guatemala, according to Belize Canoe Association President Elvin Penner.
Lopez surged to a bronze medal in the high-speed final, marking Belize’s second podium finish in canoeing and further cementing the country’s growing presence in regional water sports.
Lopez’s bronze follows the women’s bronze earlier on Saturday morning, earned by Ruth Cruz and Francisca Cruz-Pfaender in the K2 500m. With three races and two bronze medals now in the books for Belizean canoeing, Lopez’s result builds on their historic breakthrough earlier this week.
Cruz-Pfaender also delivered a strong solo performance, finishing fourth in the Women’s K1 200m at the Lake Petén Itzá —just a short drive from the Belizean border by Benque Viejo del Carmen.
Francisca Cruz-Pfaender (left) and Ruth Cruz (right), who won bronze in the Women’s K2 500m Canoe Sprint at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala, pictured with Belize Canoe Association President Elvin Penner on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Belize Canoe Association
Lopez’s bronze adds the fifth medal for Team Belize:
- Ruth Cruz & Francisca Cruz-Pfaender – Bronze in Women’s K2 500m Canoe Sprint (Belize’s first-ever international canoeing medal)
Nyasha Harris – Silver in Women’s 100 Metres (11.86 seconds, Belize’s first medal in Quetzaltenango)- Brandon Jones – Bronze in Men’s Triple Jump (15.49 metres at 7,982 ft elevation)
- Belize Women’s National Volleyball Team – Bronze with a 3–1 victory over Guatemala (first volleyball medal at the Games)
Andres Cabb is also set to compete on Sunday in two events: the Men’s K2 1000m alongside Cristian Lopez, and the Men’s K1 1000m. His participation adds further momentum to Belize’s canoeing campaign.
From the high-altitude tracks of Quetzaltenango to the courts of Guatemala City and the calm waters of Petén, Belize’s delegation continues its participation in women’s softball, basketball, beach volleyball, rugby, billiards, and sailing.
Though five medals – one silver and four bronze medals – may seem modest compared to other countries, for Belize it remains a significant accomplishment.
Belize’s Canoeing Delegation (L–R): Belize Canoe Association President Elvin Penner, Andres Cabb, Cristian Lopez, Francisca Cruz-Pfaender, and Ruth Cruz at the XII Central American Games in Petén, Guatemala, on Friday, October 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Belize Canoe Association
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Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2025. 11:32 am CST. Cristian Lopez won bronze in the Men’s K1 200m race in canoeing at the XII Central American Games
The post Central American Games: Cristian Lopez powers to bronze in Men’s K1 200m Canoe Sprint; Belize’s medal tally now at 5 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
