Donovan Carrillo makes history for Mexico - and looks ahead to 2026: 'I won't put any limits on myself'

Olympic figure skater Donovan Carrillo was told as a kid that he was "crazy to even try" to be a top-level international competitor.

He was, after all, from a sport that had little precedent on the global stage: 1992 was the last time Mexico had Olympic figure skaters in Riccardo Olavarrieta and Mayda Navarro.

But Carrillo chose not to listen to the doubters. And on Thursday (10 February) he became the first from his country to qualify for the free skate segment in Olympic history at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

"My presentation in Beijing is proof that the only limits are those that we put on ourselves, so I want to invite every country that is not a powerhouse in winter sports to dream big, because it’s possible," Donovan, 22, told Olympics.com.

“This experience in Beijing has taught me a lot. Although I’ve had some difficulties in both programs, I’ve tried to enjoy each presentation, fighting for all and every element," he added.

Donovan was 19th after the short program, qualifying for the 24-skater free skate (out of 30 skaters) and then placed 22nd overall, performing to "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" in the free and earning fans from around the world with his expressive and inviting skating style.

"I’m grateful for my country, and for all those people that have shown me their love and affection through countless messages," Donovan said of the love he was receiving while at his debut Games. "They’ve been a huge motivation to keep improving and searching for new goals.”

One of those goals, he said, is Milano/Cortina 2026.

"I just want to let myself be surprised and not put any limits on myself," he said of the next Olympic quad. "That has been one of the keys during my career: Giving my best effort, but also