Colombian speed skater Juan Jacobo Mantilla has been named The World Games Athlete of the Month for September 2025 after a historic summer that saw him claim two gold medals at The World Games in Chengdu, followed by another two at the Speed World Championships 2025.
For Mantilla, the honour is more than just a title—it’s the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline, and passion.
“It is too special for me to receive this recognition,” he said. “I don’t think my 10-year-old self would believe what I have been experiencing in recent months. It is the reward for so much hard work, so many sacrifices, and dedication to what I do. This motivates me to keep fighting for my dreams and shows me that we are doing things right.”
Pushing beyond limits
Reflecting on his unforgettable experience at The World Games, Mantilla described the defining challenge of every race: overcoming fatigue.
“The most decisive moment during races was, is, and always will be overcoming fatigue when you think you can’t go on any longer, pushing yourself to exceed your limits,” he explained. “Everyone gets tired, but whoever manages to overcome that fatigue will achieve victory.”
That resilience was built long before stepping onto the track in Chengdu. “From the beginning, I visualized myself, I always knew what I wanted to achieve, and the desire to fulfil my dreams is what keeps me motivated. I prepared very hard and very well for TWG because I knew that after The World Games I would have very little time to prepare for the World Championships.”
Racing with passion
Mantilla insists that his success is fuelled not just by discipline but also by joy.
“You always have to do whatever you do in life with love, passion, and discipline, but above all, you have to learn to enjoy the process and always, always be happy along the way,” he said. “When I’m on my skates, I feel like I’m flying, my problems disappear, and I just focus on being happy and enjoying my eight wheels.”
Inspiring the next generation
Now, with four major gold medals in just a matter of weeks, Mantilla has become an inspiration for Colombian and South American athletes striving to reach the top of their sports. His message to them is clear:
“DREAMS COME TRUE, but you have to fight for them, be very disciplined, and learn to wait for the right moment. When that moment arrives, you have to seize the opportunity because you never know when it will come around again.”