Although the practice ice available to him is a shopping mall skating rink, 22 year old Donovan Carrillo has realized his dream to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Carrillo is the first Mexican man to qualify as an Olympic skater for thirty years. His passion to reach new heights began when he saw the games from Vancouver in 2010. Two years later at 13, he left home in Guadalajara to train with his coach in Léon. Carrillo went on to win the Mexican national champion title four times. His fabulous Olympic routine on Tuesday 9 February won him a place in the Men’s Free Skate, a first for Mexico. He will compete in the Men’s Singles Free Skate on Thursday, 11 February in the morning Beijing time (7:30 pm CST).
Carrillo is one of 33 athletes representing 10 Latin American countries at the Winter Olympics this year. Participating countries include: Mexico, Haiti (French speaking), Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. There are numerous skiers, both downhill and cross country and a few bobsledders. It will be exciting to see if any athletes rank in the top ten for their Olympic sport in the next ten days. Fingers crossed. If you have a chance to watch the games, keep an eye out for them. ¡Gracias!
Donovan Carillo is a great example of the importance of believing in your dreams. He says people would laugh, telling him it was impossible for a Mexican skater to qualify for the Olympics. Guess they were wrong…
Have you watched the 2022 Winter Olympics? Which is your favorite winter sport?
¡Olé! –Rebecca
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Fake Flamenco 
Britain, of course,is almost as much of a no-hoper here as Mexico. Nope, not watched a thing.
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But everyone remembers Eddie “The Eagle” (but maybe the Brits want to?)
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I looked Eddie up, good comparison with a 60 year hiatus in competitors.
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He, like the Jamaicans at the Calgary games, was the underdog that everyone was cheering for.
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Fair point!
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Well, as a glass half full kind of person, I’d wouldn’t necessarily say no hope. 😉 Carrillo has won by making it to the Olympics and especially by earning a place in the free skate. I think we and the Brits tend to place too much value on winning the gold. 🙂
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Quite. For many people, securing their place in the competition is pinnacle enough, and quite rightly.
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Good to see that countries with warmer climates are able to send athletes! I thought the Jamaican bobsled team was in as well, but I could be wrong.
It’s hard to choose, since there are so many exciting events. Snowcross is pretty intense as is the short track speed skating, but hockey (both women and men) is a must see if you have more time.
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Yes, it is exciting to see! I hope to see more of the Olympics this weekend, starting tonight.
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I watch the figure skating events. What a joy it was to watch our own Nathan Chen perform this week!
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Wonderful. I love watching the skating as well!
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Thank you for an inspiring story. I just watched Nathan Chen medal on YouTube. Beautiful!
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Excellent, I’ll look it up!
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I’ve actually been out of the loop with the Winter Olympics this time around, but it’s great to see Latin Am represent! Hope Donovan Carillo wins (won) something for the team!
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Thanks, Rebecca, me too. I’m going to check out today’s video, I was out when it played.
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Thanks for sharing this. Congratulations to Nathan Chan..
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