Villalobos going up in the world

Joel Martin Villalobos has some weighty issues on his mind as he prepares for the European Para Youth Games (EPYG) in Istanbul.

The Spaniard is one of the rising stars in the world of Para taekwondo having come so close to winning a medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the Men's K44 -58Kg category.

But Istanbul will be the first time he will compete in the -63Kg category as he considers permanently moving up a weight before the next Paralympics in Los Angeles in three years time.

"These EPYG are a very important competition for me," said Villalobos, ranked a fine fifth in Paris.

"I give it a lot of importance in order to decide what to do about my weight and I want to do well.

"My mindset wants to stay at -58, but I don't know how another four years will affect me, both physically and mentally. They're important because I'll be trying a new weight."

Credit: Spanish Paralympic Committee

Villalobos, who also studies sports nutrition, already has bronze medals from the European Para Championships in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 2023 and from Belgrade, Serbia, last year.

He qualified for Paris 2024 after striking gold at the European Qualification tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, using his explosive kicking style to huge effect.

In Paris, he beat Mitsuya Tanaka of Japan and Ide Oumarou Djabirou of Niger, but lost his bronze medal battle with Xiang Wen Xiao of Chinese Taipei.

"The Paralympic experience was great," the 21-year-old added. "As soon as you walked in, you could see your apartment building with the flags, and we all felt like one big family.

"The competition atmosphere was also crazy, as I'm not used to being watched by so many people, and seeing so many people there motivated me even more."

Now Villalobos will be hoping that experience of competing on the biggest Paralympic stage after all - in a similar multi-sport environment as the EPYG - will prove vital as he looks to win gold in Türkiye.

He added: "I feel very fit and have a pretty decent physique now that I'm at a heavier weight."

The record-breaking Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games officially open on 24 July and run until 27 July. They will feature a record 640 athletes with 1,200 competitors, coaches and team staff from 33 countries, also the biggest ever number, competing in Para archery, Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis and Para taekwondo.

Participants will also get to experience the Discovery Programme where they will have the chance to take part in education and experiences in a broad range of topics, including activities designed to immerse the people of Istanbul in EPYG and to get to know Para sport.