The Mexican Rowing Federation confirmed the death of Juan Carlos Cabrera Pérez, a prominent rower who represented Mexico at the 2016 Rio Olympics and became world indoor rowing champion in 2012. Born in 1991, he left a lasting legacy in Mexican sports with numerous international medals. The federation issued condolences, noting his enduring impact on the nation's rowing history.
Juan Carlos Cabrera Pérez, Mexican rowing icon, passes away
Juan Carlos Cabrera Pérez, born in 1991, began his rowing career in 2009 after trying American football. In 2012, he became the first Mexican to win the world indoor rowing championship. His achievements included competing in the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games and the Under-23 World Championships in Lithuania that year, earning silver medals in 2X and 4X at the Henley Canadian Regatta.
In 2013, he secured silver in the under-23 category and bronze in the open at the Indoor Rowing World Championships in Boston, plus sixth place at the Under-23 World Championships in Austria. He competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics in lightweight single sculls, qualifying through the Latin American Classification Regatta in Valparaíso, Chile, and finishing eighth. Before the Games, he said: “This is the first time I attend the Olympics, and my wish is to achieve the best result for the country”.
Cabrera won medals at the 2014 Veracruz and 2018 Barranquilla Central American and Caribbean Games, and silver in lightweight double sculls at the 2019 Lima Pan American Games. He studied Political Science at UNAM and was a coach. The Mexican Rowing Federation mourned his passing: “With deep sorrow, we lament the passing of Juan Carlos Cabrera Pérez. His memory will remain forever in the history of Mexican rowing and our hearts. Rest in peace”.
His legacy underscores perseverance in Mexican rowing, inspiring future athletes.
