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Rodrigo Gonzalez captures first international pole on debut season

19 June 2025

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Sebastian Garcia, Elias Reyes Cravioto, Rodrigo Gonzalez celebrating at Copa Merengue.

Rodrigo Gonzalez claimed the top seed in the compound men’s event on Thursday at the 2025 Copa Merengue in Santo Domingo – the first international pole position of his senior career, achieved on debut season.

The 21-year-old Mexican archer shot 707 – three off his personal best of 710 – over the 72-arrow qualification round to lead the largest field ever assembled at the tournament.

Although the world ranking event traditionally attracts athletes from across the Americas, this year’s edition features a record 216 competitors from 24 countries, including 60 in the compound men’s category alone.

“It was a tough competition because it was a bit windy and the temperature was very hot, but I’m happy with the result,” said Gonzalez, the 2022 under-21 World Archery Youth Champion.

“The preparation process to get here consisted of many qualifying sessions in Mexico, where the archery level is very competitive and anyone can perform well. Now it’s my turn.”

Adding further magnitude to his achievement, 2025 marks Gonzalez’s first season on the senior national team, which also includes Elias Reyes Cravioto, Luis Lezama and Sebastian Garcia.

Garcia is the standout name, as the reigning Pan American Champion and silver medallist at the first stage of the year’s Hyundai Archery World Cup in Central Florida. Among the favourites in Santo Domingo, he struggled slightly more than usual in the Caribbean heat, registering 24 Xs to Gonzalez’s 30 on his 23rd birthday – for a qualifying score of 702 and the fifth seed.

With all four members of the Mexican team qualifying inside the top 10, an all-Mexico gold medal match remains a possibility heading into Saturday’s eliminations.

Mexico also dominated the compound women’s qualification, producing a one-two finish as world number one Andrea Becerra led 2022 Pan American Championships mixed team gold medallist Mariana Bernal by seven points. Becerra’s score of 708 was the highest of the day across all categories.

“We had fun shooting here, with optimal conditions,” said Becerra. “We’re off to a good start and hope to continue adding more results in the coming days.”

Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Alejandra Valencia – also of Mexico – led the recurve women’s field, qualifying first with 665 points during the morning session at Parque del Este.

Colombia’s Santiago Arcila – fresh off a runner-up finish at the South American Championship – took the men’s pole with 674, finishing 13 points clear of El Salvador’s Oscar Ticas.

A qualifying tournament for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games is also taking place this week in Santo Domingo, running alongside the Copa Merengue. Not all athletes are competing in both events.

Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico qualified all four of their respective compound and recurve men and women's teams after qualifications on Thursday. Cuba's recurve teams booked their place for the Games as did El Salvador's compound men's and Puerto Rico's compound women's team.

Action at Copa Merengue continues on Friday with team eliminations and finals, followed by mixed team events on Saturday.

Sunday’s individual medal matches can be watched live with a subscription to archery+.