Mexican Para rower Michel Muñoz Malagón steering to success

Michel Muñoz Malagón is looking to put in a strong performance at the 2026 World Rowing Championships The 2026 World Rowing Championships will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 24-30 August 21 Aug 2026

A male Para rowing athlete puts a thumbs up while on a white boat

ⒸMexican Paralympic Committee

By Lisa Martin | For the IPC

Michel Muñoz Malagón became the first Mexican Para rower to compete at the Paralympic Games when he made his debut at Tokyo 2020. Five years on, he has his sights set on competing at the LA28 Paralympic Games.

“It was a great experience to be able to represent my country, it was something I worked for a long time, being able to share with other athletes and learn their stories was a great learning experience,” he recalled.

Muñoz Malagón did not compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, but he has pushed disappointment aside as LA28 opens in just two years.

“My strategy is always to stay positive and give my all in every training session... Quitting has never been in my plans. I am very disciplined and I give 100 per cent in everything I do,” he said.

The grief of losing his father in 2023 is something he has channelled into grit and determination on the regatta course.

“He's always in my thoughts during every training session and competition because he was always a source of inspiration for me, and he still is,” he said.

“I know he's proud of everything I've achieved personally and athletically. I know he's just as happy as I am because he taught me that anything is possible as long as you work hard every day and enjoy it.”

A male Para rowing athlete is pumping his fist while on a white boat — Michel Muñoz Malagón made his Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, and became the first-ever Mexican Para rower to compete at the Games. @Mexican Paralympic Committee

Feeling free

The Mexico City resident says the best way to deal with the ups and downs of elite sport is “with psychological support and by maintaining a positive mindset daily”.

“For me, rowing has been a very demanding sport that brings out the best version of me every day. Being on the water makes me feel free, and connecting with nature gives me great peace.”

“That every day I can improve and step out of my comfort zone. I push myself to the limit every day.”

Last year, Muñoz Malagón earned a bronze medal in the PR1 men's single sculls at the 2025 World Rowing Cup in Varese, Italy.

He has also tasted success with an Americas Continental gold in 2024 and two golds at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta last year.

A Para athlete wearing a green, white, and red rowing uniform and cap sits on a skateboard outdoors beside a rack of rowing shells — Michel Muñoz Malagón says rowing allows him to feel 'free' and helps him become a better version of himself everyday. @Mexican Paralympic Committee

This year, he is focused on putting in a strong performance at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam that kick off from 24-30 August.

“I know it's a very tough competition, but I'm training very hard,” he said.

His training regime is a combination of track and gym work and endurance runs. He uses a special custom-made seat to help him control the boat in the waves but developing core muscle strength is also important.

When he is not on the rowing boat, Muñoz Malagón likes using a skateboard. He started using it at age 11 to be more independent when he started high school.

“I prefer the skateboard for better comfort and practicality,” he said.

As well as rowing Muñoz Malagón has dabbled in powerlifting and participates in marathons and Spartan obstacle races. Outside of sport, Muñoz Malagón regularly does motivational talks and enjoys spending time in the mountains.

The 40-year-old athlete is not thinking about retiring from the sport he loves, but, in the future, would like to pivot to a coaching role on the national team and start a sports academy.

“I like having the opportunity to improve and motivate people to pursue and fight for their dreams,” he said.