Last Saturday, August 3, the Marlines de Lanzarote Canoeing Club stood out in the prestigious 86th International Descent of the Sella, taking home a well-deserved bronze medal. At 12:00 noon, after the iconic proclamation by singer Víctor Manuel, the starting cannon marked the beginning of the competition for the 1290 participants from 25 countries. The nearly 900 boats took to the water, traveling the 20 kilometers that separate Arriondas from Ribadesella.
Eight brave Lanzarote natives ventured into this challenge, exchanging salt water and waves for the currents of the Sella River. Eduardo Fajardo and Pedro Rodríguez competed in the K2 Junior Men category, achieving an outstanding 12th position. In the SS1 Senior Women category, Ariadne Giménez, Gabriela Díaz and Emma Arrocha competed individually, achieving positions 10th, 6th and 4th respectively. Emma was only 2 minutes away from obtaining the bronze.
In the SS1 Senior Men category, José María García came in 24th place, while Alejandro Dorta finished in 10th position. However, the greatest feat was achieved by Eloy Woelke, who made history for canoeing in the Canary Islands by becoming the first athlete from the Canary Islands to reach the podium of the International Descent of the Sella, achieving an impressive 3rd place and winning the bronze medal.
The merit of this group is indisputable, because despite not having much experience in this modality, they showed courage and defended themselves tooth and nail, raising the name of Lanzarote. This unique experience, considered one of the best competitions in the world and known as "the party of canoes" by the Asturians, had a record participation this year and a very high level of competitors.
Los Marlines de Lanzarote promise to return and give their all in future International Sella Descents, carrying with them the spirit of overcoming and the pride of their land.
The Marlines de Lanzarote Canoeing Club appreciates the support of the sponsors and collaborators, among which are the Government of the Canary Islands, Islas Canarias Latitud de Vida, PROMOTUR Turismo de Canarias, Deporte Canario, the Cabildo de Lanzarote, the Insular Sports Service, Turismo Lanzarote, Lanzarote European Sport Destination, the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers, the Arrecife City Council, Sports of the Arrecife City Council, Turismo Arrecife, NK Spain, Tripasion Eventos, Cicar, Fisioterápia Pérez-Caballero, Máximo Rendimiento and High Pro Nutrition, which make it possible to carry out this important sporting event. Their commitment and support are essential to promote the development of canoeing in the region and promote the participation of talented athletes.