Daniel Iriarte
Chepe Zazueta
Juan Diego García Shines on the International Circuit and Prepares for the 2026 World Championships
By Pavhel Rochin
CULIACÁN, Sinaloa.- Juan Diego García López from Sinaloa is going through a remarkable stage in his sports career, after winning two consecutive gold medals in international para taekwondo competitions. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion was crowned at the Grand Prix in Muju, South Korea, on September 4th, and repeated the feat on October 8th in Paris, France, in the K44 category, under 70 kilograms. These results represent significant progress in regaining world ranking positions, following a year marked by injuries and the absence of tournaments.
The two-time Paralympic medalist highlighted that returning to compete at the highest level also meant overcoming physical and mental challenges, especially to regain confidence and strengthen coordination with his coach and work team. García López pointed out that the points obtained in both Grand Prix events are fundamental to reclaiming his place among the world's best, as well as consolidating his preparation for the 2026 World Para Taekwondo Championships, scheduled from November 20th to 22nd in Muju, South Korea, where Mexico plans to participate with ten athletes, under the direction of María del Rosario Espinoza.
With an eye on the World Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, the athlete from Sinaloa remains firm in his intention to once again represent Mexico on the biggest stage of adaptive sports. After winning gold in Tokyo 2020 and bronze in Paris 2024, García López is working to arrive in the best condition for the new Paralympic cycle, with the goal not only of securing his spot in a third edition of the Games but also of competing again for a medal and placing the country at the top of the podium.
