Few athletes move between sports during their career, and even fewer switch to entirely different environments. Yet at 43, Higinio Rivero is doing both. The Spaniard has traded paddle strokes for ski strides as he prepares to compete at the Winter Paralympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026, after two appearances at the Summer Paralympics.  

Rivero’s journey to the snow began on the water. After a life-changing climbing accident in 2013 left him paraplegic, he picked up a paddle and never looked back.  

“I discovered paracanoeing as a way to rebuild my life after my accident,” said Rivero.  

“Sport became my rehabilitation, but very soon it turned to passion and a new way of understanding who I am.”  

Since then, Rivero has represented Spain at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, establishing himself as a fierce competitor on the international stage.  

For Rivero, paracanoeing offers something beyond competition.  

“What I enjoy most is the sense of absolute freedom in the middle of nature, when it feels like there are no limits and my disability simply doesn’t exist,” said Rivero.  

“That feeling, together with the drive to improve every day, is what keeps me motivated on the water.”  

But four years ago, Rivero decided to add some new dimensions to his training – snow and skis.  

“I made the decision four years ago, initially as winter training for the canoeing season,” explains Rivero.  

“Over time, what started as complementary work became a new sporting challenge that I wanted to fully embrace.”  

Now, that challenge has led him to the biggest stage in winter sport.  

Competing in both para biathlon and para cross-country skiing, Rivero has come to appreciate how each discipline demands a unique approach.  

“Para biathlon involves longer, more sustained sessions, where you have to manage your energy and maintain concentration over time, while Paracanoe sprint is all about explosive power and very high intensity in short efforts, where every stroke counts,” said Rivero.  

Despite the difference he believes the disciplines complement each other well.  

“The endurance, strength, and discipline I gain in water are an excellent base for my performance in the boat,” said Rivero.  

“At the same time, para-biathlon helps me develop focus and calm under pressure, which is crucial in both sports.”  

Rivero’s appearance at the Winter Paralympics carries additional significance as he will become the first athlete from Spain to compete in Para biathlon at the Games. 

“It will be a dream come true and a huge responsibility,” said Rivero. 

“Being the first Spanish athlete in Para-biathlon makes me proud, but above all it motivates me to open doors for others who may come after me.”  

At the Winter Paralympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026, which begins on March 6, Rivero is full steam ahead and ready to make his nation proud.  

“My main goal is to achieve the best possible shooting accuracy and deliver solid, consistent races,” he said.  

“If I can fight for a top 10 finish in at least one event, it would be a fantastic result and an important step for Spain in winter Para sports.”  

While the winter stage represents a new adventure, Rivero’s roots remain firmly in Paracanoe. 

Once the Paralympic Games are completed, Rivero doesn’t plan to spend much time away from the training ground.  

“After Milano-Cortina 2026, I plan to take one week off to recharge mentally and physically,” said Rivero.  

“Then, I want to rejoin the Spanish national team and fight for qualification to the Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028, aiming to not only be there, but to compete at a level that reflects all the work done over these years.”  

Rivero seeks to build on his earlier success on the water after winning a silver medal at the 2021 ICF Paracanoe World Championship in the men’s VL2. The event, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, was his first competitive medal in the sport.  

The journey from water to snow is not about changing sports – it’s about expanding possibilities. As Rivero prepares to race in the mountains of Italy, he continues to prove that new challenges can emerge at any stage of an athlete’s career.  

Rivero is set to compete in his first Paralympic event on March 7. Those wishing to follow his journey in Milan can find the full schedule of his events here.