2024 Paris Olympics: José “Maligno” Torres delivers Argentina’s first BMX gold medal
For Paris 2024, I threw everything I had into training, determined to bring home the gold… The day of the competition remains vivid in my memory. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and I felt the weight of everyone’s expectations. Instead of letting it consume me, I harnessed that energy, pouring it into every move.
- 3 months ago
October 3, 2024
José Augusto “Maligno” Torres Gil took home the gold in BMX at the 2024 Paris Olympics. | Photo courtesy of Francisco Torres Gil
PARIS, France — At 15 years old, I earned the nickname Maligno [Evil] for my bold, aggressive style in BMX. The sport quickly became more than a passion. It served as my path to international competitions.
Recently, I made history by winning Argentina’s first gold medal in BMX at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This victory feels both personal and a shared victory with my country. The road to the Olympic gold felt difficult, but every challenge was worth it, and each moment shaped who I am today.
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BMX became my passion
Born alongside my twin brother Francisco on March 28, 1995, we lived in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia until 12 years old. However, our Argentinean parents provided us with dual nationality. At 12, we moved to Córdoba, Argentina. Back then, I dreamed of playing soccer, a passion I held onto for years. Life took me in a different direction, and over time, I discovered a new love—cycling. That shift began my real adventure and led me to where I am today.
My brother and I grew up playing soccer passionately in Bolivia, training regularly in our city. However, we never had the chance to pursue it professionally. After moving to Córdoba, Argentina, we discovered BMX at the Parque de las Naciones. The skatepark boasted bike paths, and I remember trying a backflip and instantly falling in love with the sport. My brother shared my fascination, and at the age of 14, we began borrowing bikes to practice and hone our skills in BMX.
Initially, it felt like a simple hobby, but over time, it became clear it could be something more. As my passion grew, I saw BMX as a potential professional career. At 17, I started competing internationally and realized I could make a living from it. Despite the lack of infrastructure in Córdoba and multiple injuries—ranging from knees to fractures—I persevered. The tough training conditions, often on hard concrete, fueled my determination, and I quickly excelled, learning tricks at an exceptional pace even with limited resources.
Olympics 2024: lifting the gold medal
The road to the Olympics was anything but easy. I missed out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020 because of a points issue and an injury that sidelined me for a year. Yet, my dream of competing in the Olympics never faltered. For Paris 2024, I threw everything I had into training, determined to bring home the gold.
The day of the competition remains vivid in my memory. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and I felt the weight of everyone’s expectations. Instead of letting it consume me, I harnessed that energy, pouring it into every move. Every breath and every trick felt laser-focused on achieving my goal. When I heard my name announced as the winner, time seemed to freeze. The feeling was indescribable—a moment that made all the hard work and sacrifice worth it.
Lifting the gold medal exceeded a personal triumph; it felt like a victory for my entire country. I stood there, filled with immense pride, knowing I represented Argentina on the world stage. My medal symbolizes my dedication and the unwavering support of those who believed in me along the way. We all share the victory.
After the whirlwind of commitments and interviews following my victory, I continue to train with the same passion. I carry my medal everywhere, amazed by the recognition but always striving for more. Life after the Olympics changed significantly for me. My schedule remains packed with interviews and events, which sometimes makes me miss my usual training routine. I now balance early morning workouts, sponsor management, and maintaining a strict diet. Despite the recognition and the shifts in my life, my focus remains on staying competitive.
Reflecting on BMX: “winning Argentina’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics still feels surreal”
As a single person with no children, my life revolves around cycling. In BMX freestyle, people know me for the height of my jumps and the precision of my tricks. Recently, I also developed a passion for car modification. Reflecting on my journey, winning Argentina’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics still feels surreal. From the very beginning, I pushed my limits, training day and night. Despite people telling me my dream was impossible, I never let that deter me.
I always believed in giving my best, no matter the odds. Although we became rivals in competitions for years, my excellent relationship with my brother Francisco remains marked by a deep bond. Francisco always looks out for me, especially because I tend to be very trusting. He ensures no one takes advantage of me.
This experience taught me that no matter how difficult things seem, we should never give up. There’s always a way to overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams. To everyone chasing their goals, I say, keep fighting. The rewards can be greater than you ever imagined. My story proves it. I feel deeply grateful for the support of my family and the opportunities I have. Despite the many hardships along the way, every moment has been worth it.
