Juan Diego García López won Paralympic gold at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

Paralympic champion Juan Diego García López has hailed the moment which saw him chosen for a prestigious award in front of able-bodied athletes at the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU) Gala Awards.

The Mexican won gold in the men's 75 kilograms division when taekwondo made its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 last year.

He was then named as best male athlete at the Gala Awards in Guadalajara last month, a prize that every Olympic and Paralympic athlete was in the frame for.

His trainer Jannet Alegria was also named as best female coach to make it a double celebration.

García López said his prize showed the inclusivity of the sport.

"I was at training when they gave me the news," he said to the International Paralympic Committee website. 

Juan Diego García López, left, has lost just twice in four years  ©Getty Images
Juan Diego García López, left, has lost just twice in four years ©Getty Images

"It is important for federations to recognise Para-athletes to make us feel like part of an inclusive family. 

"That motivates us to continue seeking to be the best."

García López has lost just twice in the last four years and also boasts a World Championship gold medal from 2019.

He has been named as Mexico's top Para-athlete for three years running.