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.
