Puerto Rican athlete Rodrigo Iván González Marcano recently combined competing in the 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championship with an international development camp in Gualeguaychú, Argentina, as part of his preparation for upcoming commitments and his pursuit of qualification for regional events. González Marcano finished 24th in the 26-kilometer under-23 race. A speed specialist, he found the long course a challenge of endurance and strategy that broadened his international competitive experience.
In an interview with the International Canoe Federation, he said it was very meaningful to represent Puerto Rico, noting the island had never before competed in a World Championship and hoping more Puerto Ricans could come in the future. He was also invited by the International Canoe Federation to the Paddle Worldwide Development Camp in the same city, which brought together 15 athletes from nine countries under coaches Bert Onnekes and Miguel Correa, who helped participants build marathon canoeing skills.
His recent international schedule has also included the 2026 COPAC Pan American Speed and Paracanoe Championship and the 2026 ICF Junior and Under-23 Canoe Sprint World Championship. His development has been supported by the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD) and the Puerto Rican Canoe Federation, and his agenda includes further international commitments and regional qualification attempts.