José de Jesús Castillo Castillo named Americas Athlete of 2018

The Mexican powerlifter has been chosen Americas ‘Athlete of the Year’ for a second consecutive time after a record-breaking poll that saw 56,500 votes cast.

Castillo Castillo received massive support from his followers, securing 37 per cent of the public vote. Last year, he successfully defended the continental title in Bogota, Colombia, by lifting 232kg in the men’s up to 107kg.

“I am so happy to be named Athlete of 2018, it is a massive recognition,” he said. “Firstly, thank you to the Americas Paralympic Committee for this distinction. And of course, thank you to all Mexico and those who supported me from other countries as well.”