Spanish athlete Higinio Rivero has written a singular page in Paralympism. He managed to represent Spain in three different disciplines, combining summer and winter games. After diplomas in canoeing at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, he closed his cycle in Milan-Cortina 2026 with a 20th place in cross-country skiing. Although he values opening the way, he is self-critical, especially with his biathlon result, a disappointment that he already views as motivation for the Alps 2030.
Technical adaptation: from water to snow 🏔️
The jump from canoeing to cross-country skiing and biathlon implies a complete reengineering of training and equipment. Technical adaptation goes beyond physical condition. It requires mastering new prostheses or specific assistance equipment for each sport, with opposing biomechanical responses. The transfer of torso power, key in canoeing, is redirected to the lower limbs for skiing. In biathlon, breathing control and precision under fatigue are added, an additional technical challenge.
Manual for not being good at anything (but competing in everything) 😏
Rivero seems to have discovered the formula so that selection committees never give up on you. When they see that you dominate one sport, he is already plotting to switch to another with an opposite climate. This way he avoids the boredom of specialization and keeps his rivals in constant bewilderment. Wasn't this the kayak guy?, the skiers must think when they see him at the starting line. His plan for 2030 is clear: if something doesn't work out, there's always trying curling or bobsleigh.