Donovan Carrillo has emerged as Mexico’s premier figure skater, carving out a remarkable path in a sport often overlooked in the country. Hailing from Guadalajara, Carrillo began his skating journey at the age of eight, having previously explored diving, artistic gymnastics, and ballet, all of which contributed to his grace on the ice.
At just 13 years old, he faced a significant challenge when his training rink closed. This pivotal moment forced him to relocate to León, Guanajuato, following his coach Gregorio Núñez. There, he practiced in a small, dimly lit rink within a shopping mall, often sharing the ice with couples and novice skaters. To avoid disrupting others, he frequently had to perform without music, all while diligently honing his skills.
Despite his dedication, Carrillo struggled for financial support throughout the majority of his career. It wasn’t until 2019, after representing Mexico internationally for six years, that he entered the high-performance program, finally receiving a monthly stipend of 37,000 pesos (approximately $2,100 USD). He shared that financial constraints never deterred him from his passion, stating, “Scarcity be damned, when I’m skating… is the only time I feel truly myself.”
Previously, his family bore the brunt of the expenses, often leading them to take loans, organize fundraisers, and seek contributions from friends and relatives. Even his coach invested his own money into Carrillo’s competitions. To help alleviate the financial burden, Carrillo also worked as an instructor for young skaters.
His persistence paid off at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, where he made history by being the first Mexican figure skater to qualify for the Winter Games in 30 years. He achieved a record-setting performance, finishing 22nd and scoring a personal best of 218.13 points. This achievement elevated his status to that of a national hero, though it did not lead to an increase in his government funding, which remained a contentious topic.
After facing setbacks such as losing his skates before the 2022 World Championships, Carrillo recognized that he had reached a plateau in his training within Mexico. In 2023, he made the challenging decision to relocate to Toronto, Canada, leaving his long-time coach Núñez behind. The move allowed him access to world-class training facilities and specialized support, including a strength trainer, psychologist, and nutritionist. This new environment has been transformative, with Carrillo expressing that he now feels better prepared than ever to compete.
While he continues to receive some support from Conade and has secured sponsors like Toyota and HSBC, Carrillo hopes that future generations of Mexican figure skaters will have the resources and opportunities to train domestically. His ultimate aspiration is to pave the way for others in the sport, ensuring that talent from Mexico can shine on the world stage without the need to leave their homeland.
Carrillo’s story exemplifies resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of a true athlete dedicated to making a difference not only for himself but for aspiring skaters nationwide.