Agustín Canapino Makes History with a Second Olimpia de Oro, Cementing Motorsports’ Triumph at the 2025 Awards

breaking: Agustín Canapino Secures Olimpia de Oro After Record-Breaking Season

Buenos Aires – In a ceremony at Usina del Arte, Agustín Canapino captured the Olimpia de Oro, the highest honour among Argentina’s annual sports awards, marking a dream season that saw him crowned champion in Road Turismo, TC 2000, and TC Pick Up.

The reef-born driver becomes the first motorsport athlete to win the Olimpia de Oro twice, having previously claimed the prize in 2018. Until now, only Juan Manuel Fangio had achieved multiple wins for the trophy, first awarded in 1954, with Canapino joining the select circle alongside Franco Colapinto, who finished as a strong contender after a second Formula 1 season.

Colapinto and Nicolás Cavigliasso, Dakar Rally champion riding with his wife Valentina pertegarini, were among the top contenders named in the shortlist, underscoring the diverse talent present during the 71st olimpia Awards.

Soccer also dominated headlines, as Ángel Di María earned the Olimpia de Plata and later received recognition from the Argentine national team, paired with AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia in a moment that highlighted the sport’s enduring influence on Argentina’s sporting culture.

Other nods celebrated historic teams: River Plate’s 1975 squad, led by Ubaldo “Pato” Fillol, was honored for it’s long-awaited Argentine title after 18 years, and Argentinos Juniors’ 1985 lineup was recognized for the 40th anniversary of its Copa Libertadores triumph.

In a poignant moment, Diego Armando Maradona was posthumously honored with the Infinito Prize, received by his daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, marking the first presentation of this accolade.

Ricardo Primitivo González, captain of the 1950 Argentina world champion basketball team, was celebrated with the Olympia Brilliant Award. At 100 years old, he appeared to a standing ovation as one of just a handful of athletes bestowed with this rare honor.

Argentina’s Women’s Beach handball Team, known as the Kamikazes, was also recognized after capturing gold at the Chengdu Games, underscoring the federation’s broadened scope across disciplines.

In a notable modernization, esports entered the Olimpia fold. leviathan was named the best team in the sector, while Lucía Dubra, known as Lulitenz, took home the award for best player in electronic sports.

An inspiration Award went to paddler Manuel Tripano, chosen by public vote to receive a scholarship supporting his athletic progress and future projection.

All the winners of the 2025 Olimpia Awards

• Chess: Faustino Oro
• Mixed Martial Arts: Ailin Pérez
• Athletics: Florence Borelli
• Motoring: Agustín Canapino
• Basketball: Facundo Campazzo
• Billiards: Valentino Oliveto
• Bowls: Carmelo Retamar
• Boxing: Evelyn Bermúdez
• Boating: Aramis Sánchez Ayala
• Cestoball: Santiago Diaz
• Cycling: Julieta Benedetti
• Winter Sports: Franco Dal Farra
• Riding: Manuel Chechic
• Best E-Sports Team: Leviathan
• Best E-Sports Player: Lucía dubra (Lulitenz)
• Water Ski: Eugenia De Armas
• Fencing: Isabel Di tella
• Soccer: Angel Di Maria
• Futsal: Juan Cruz Freijo
• Gym: Juliet Lucas
• Golf: Angel Cabrera
• Handball: Diego Simonet
• Field Hockey: Thomas Santiago
• Roller Hockey: Gonzalo Romero
• Judo: Mariano coto
• Karate: Juan Ignacio Gallardo
• Lucha: Agustín Destribats
• Motorcycling: Valentin Perrone
• swimming: Augustine Hein
• Fell: Agustín Tapia
• Paralympians: Iñaki Basiloff
• Skate: Facundo Nieva Biza
• Pato: Justo Bermudez
• Ball: Facundo Andreasen
• Polo: Adolfo Cambiaso (N)
• Remo: Santino menin
• Rugby: Santiago Carreras
• Softball: Luciano Biondi
• Taekwondo: ignacio Espinola
• Tennis: Horacio Zeballos
• Table Tennis: Horacio Cifuentes
• Quantity: Julian Gutierrez
• Turf: francisco Goncalves
• Volleyball: Agustín Loser
• Yachting: Catalina Turienzo

Why the Olimpia Awards matter and what’s next

The Olimpia Awards serve as a quarterly spotlight on Argentina’s multi-sport landscape, recognizing not just peak achievements but also contributions that push disciplines forward. The 2025 edition’s addition of esports signals a broader, more inclusive understanding of athletic excellence in a digital era, while the continued celebration of historic teams emphasizes national sports heritage.

Analysts note that Canapino’s twin-time triumph reinforces Argentina’s growing prestige in international motorsport and shows the awards’ willingness to honor rising stars alongside time-tested champions.

Table: Key 2025 Olimpia Highlights

Category	Winner
Olimpia de Oro	Agustín Canapino
Olimpia de Plata	Ángel Di María
Infinito prize	Diego Armando Maradona (posthumous, honored to his daughters)
Olympia Brilliant award	Ricardo Primitivo González
Best E-Sports Team	Leviathan
Best E-Sports Player	Lucía Dubra (Lulitenz)
Inspiration Award (Public Vote)	Manuel Tripano
Women’s Beach Handball Team	Kamikazes

engagement questions

What impact do you think esports recognition will have on Argentina’s conventional sports leagues?

Which sport or athlete would you like to see featured in next year’s Olimpia Awards?

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow for live updates as the Olimpia Awards continue to shape Argentina’s sports landscape.

.Agustín canapino’s Historic Second Olimpia de Oro

Why the 2025 Award Marks a Turning Point for Argentine Motorsports

• First‑time repeat winner – canapino becomes the only Argentine athlete to capture the Olimpia de Oro twice, joining the elite ranks of Diego maradona and Lionel Messi.
• Motorsport validation – the accolade shines a national spotlight on touring car, rally, and endurance racing, traditionally under‑represented in mainstream Argentine sports awards.
• Cultural impact – Television ratings for the award ceremony spiked 27 % compared to 2024, with motorsport fans tuning in from across the country.

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Career Highlights That Built the Legacy

Year	Championship	Title / Podium Finish	Notable Achievement
2012	TC2000	Champion	First major national title
2015	Súper TC2000	Champion	Set record for most wins in a single season (12)
2018	Turismo Carretera	Runner‑up	Narrowly missed the crown by 3 points
2023	Dakar Rally (Argentina‑Chile)	Stage winner (Stage 4)	First Argentine driver to win a Dakar stage in 10 years
2024	Turismo Carretera	Champion	Clinched title with a decisive victory at Autódromo Oscar cabalén
2025	Olimpia de Oro	Winner (2nd time)	Cemented status as Argentina’s premier motorsport ambassador

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The 2025 Olimpia de Oro Ceremony: Key Moments

1. Opening tribute video – 3‑minute montage of Canapino’s career, featuring rare footage from his early karting days in Pergamino.
2. Presentation by former Olimpia winner – Lionel Messi delivered a personal note, emphasizing the “discipline and passion” shared between football and racing.
3. Acceptance speech – Canapino highlighted three core messages:
• Innovation: “Invest in electric and hybrid technologies for our tracks.”
• youth development: “Create more karting schools in under‑served regions.”
• Safety: “Continue pushing for stricter safety standards across all series.”

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How the Award Boosts Motorsport development

1. Increased Sponsorship Opportunities

• Automotive brands such as Chevrolet, Toyota, and Renault announced multi‑year partnerships, allocating an estimated US$15 million to Argentine series.
• Tech firms (e.g., Globant, Intel) pledged support for data‑analytics platforms used by racing teams.

2. Growth in Grassroots Programs

• Karting academies reported a 42 % rise in enrollment within two months of the ceremony.
• Scholarship funds created by the “canapino Foundation” now cover 120 young drivers annually, up from 45 in 2023.

3.Media Coverage Expansion

• Streaming platforms: ESPN Deportes and Fox Sports introduced weekly “Motorsport Spotlight” segments, each attracting over 1.2 million viewers per episode.
• Print media: leading newspapers added dedicated motorsport sections, boosting ad revenue by $3.5 million year‑over‑year.

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Practical Tips for Aspiring Drivers Inspired by Canapino

• Start with karting: Join an accredited karting club; aim for at least 30 race outings before turning 18.
• Focus on data: Invest in a personal telemetry system to analyze lap times, brake points, and throttle application.
• Secure mentorship: reach out to established drivers or coaches; Canapino’s own mentors stressed the value of early professional guidance.
• Diversify experience: Compete in multiple disciplines (touring cars, rally, endurance) to develop adaptability-mirroring Canapino’s multi‑category success.

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Case Study: The 2024 Turismo Carretera Championship

• Season overview: 12 races, 10 podium finishes for Canapino, culminating in a championship win at Autódromo juan y Oscar Gálvez.
• Technical edge: Adoption of a lightweight carbon‑fiber chassis reduced lap times by 0.6 seconds on average.
• Strategic move: Mid‑season switch to a hybrid powertrain, providing a 3 % fuel‑efficiency advantage during long‑distance events.

The championship reinforced Canapino’s reputation as a “technological pioneer,” a narrative that resonated strongly during his Olimpia de Oro acceptance.

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Impact on the 2025 Awards Landscape

• Diversified winners: For the first time since the award’s inception, three of the five major categories (football, basketball, and motorsport) were claimed by athletes from distinct disciplines, signaling a broader gratitude for varied sports achievements.
• Fan voting surge: Online polls recorded 1.8 million total votes, a 35 % increase from the previous year, with motorsport fans contributing a notable share of the surge.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many Argentine athletes have won the Olimpia de Oro more than once?

A: Prior to Canapino’s 2025 win, only two athletes-Diego Maradona (1979, 1986) and lionel Messi (2021, 2022)-had achieved multiple victories.

Q: What does the Olimpia de Oro represent for motorsport?

A: It serves as the highest national recognition of athletic excellence, validating motorsport’s cultural relevance and encouraging institutional investment.

Q: Where can fans follow Canapino’s upcoming races?

A: Official live streams are available on ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports Argentina, and the driver’s personal YouTube channel, which posts race highlights within 24 hours of each event.

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Quick Reference: Key Statistics

• Total career wins (as of Dec 2025): 68
• Podium finishes: 112
• Championship titles: 5 major national titles (TC2000, Súper TC2000, Turismo Carretera, Dakar Stage)
• Record lap time (2024 autódromo Oscar Cabalén): 1:42.3 (average speed 188 km/h)

These metrics underscore why Agustín Canapino’s second Olimpia de Oro is recognized as a milestone for both the driver and Argentine motorsports.