Who are the most exceptional athletes in Ecuador?
From the soccer fields to the racetracks, discover who dominates in their chosen sports.
Explore the most popular athletes from Ecuador and witness how they’ve impacted and transformed their respective fields.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Ecuador.
Most popular athletes from Ecuador:
- Antonio Valencia
- Richard Carapaz
- Álex Quiñónez
- Neisi Dajomes
- Jefferson Pérez
- Byron Guamá
- Carlos Mina
- Samantha Arévalo
- Felipe Caicedo
- Jorge Jácome
Table of Contents
#1 Antonio Valencia
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 English Premier League Titles
Antonio Valencia, widely regarded as one of Ecuador’s best soccer players, has had a remarkable career in the English Premier League with Manchester United. His dedication and powerful playing style have won the hearts of fans worldwide.
Valencia’s success at the national and international level, as well as his charitable endeavors, demonstrate his commitment to community and excellence in the sport.
#2 Richard Carapaz
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Giro d’Italia Winner
Richard Carapaz, a rising star in professional cycling, has already left a remarkable impact on the sport. In 2019, he became the first Ecuadorian cyclist to win a Grand Tour race by claiming victory at the Giro d’Italia.
Carapaz’s impressive achievements and determination have inspired a new generation of Ecuadorian cyclists, promoting an upward trajectory in the sport within the country.
#3 Álex Quiñónez
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1989
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Pan American Games Gold Medal (200m)
Álex Quiñónez has been a standout figure in Ecuadorian track and field, particularly in the 100m and 200m sprint disciplines. His impressive performances have earned him recognition on the global stage, including several Pan American Games medals.
Through dedication and hard work, Quiñónez has shown the potential for Ecuadorian athletes to excel in track and field, inspiring hope in the country’s future competitors.
#4 Neisi Dajomes
- 🏆 Sport(s): Weightlifting
- 🎂 Born in: 1998
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2020 Tokyo Olympics Gold Medal (Women’s 76kg)
Neisi Dajomes has cemented her place as one of Ecuador’s most successful weightlifters, capturing the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With her incredible prowess in the sport, Dajomes became the first Ecuadorian female Olympic champion.
Her historic victory has inspired a generation of Ecuadorian athletes and has shined a spotlight on the nation’s talent in the world of weightlifting.
#5 Jefferson Pérez
- 🏆 Sport(s): Race Walking
- 🎂 Born in: 1974
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1996 Olympic Gold Medal (20km Race Walk)
Jefferson Pérez is an Ecuadorian race walking legend whose incredible talent took him to the top at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He was the first Ecuadorian athlete to win an Olympic medal, setting a new standard for the country’s athletes.
Pérez’s illustrious career, which also includes multiple world championships, has established him as one of the most successful and respected athletes in Ecuador’s history.
#6 Byron Guamá
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4-time National Road Race Champion
Byron Guamá is an accomplished Ecuadorian cyclist known for his multiple national titles and achievements in a variety of races. As a four-time National Road Race Champion, he has helped bring attention to the growing cycling scene in Ecuador.
Guamá’s perseverance and dedication to the sport have inspired budding cyclists across the country, leaving a lasting impact on Ecuador’s cycling community.
#7 Carlos Mina
- 🏆 Sport(s): Boxing
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2015 Pan American Games Silver Medal (Men’s Light Heavyweight)
Carlos Mina has established himself as one of Ecuador’s most promising boxers. His impressive performance at the 2015 Pan American Games showcased his abilities in the international arena, earning him a silver medal for his country.
Mina’s strong work ethic and dedication to boxing promise a bright future and have made him a role model for aspiring Ecuadorian boxers.
#8 Samantha Arévalo
- 🏆 Sport(s): Swimming
- 🎂 Born in: 1994
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Pan American Games Silver Medal (Women’s 10km Open Water Swimming)
Samantha Arévalo has emerged as one of Ecuador’s leading swimmers, excelling in open water events. Her outstanding performances at various international competitions, including the Pan American Games, have put her on the world stage and inspired future Ecuadorian swimmers.
Arévalo’s hard work and dedication to her sport have made her a notable figure in the swimming world and a source of pride for Ecuador.
#9 Felipe Caicedo
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: La Liga and Italian Serie A success
Felipe Caicedo has made a name for himself as a proficient forward in both La Liga and Italy’s Serie A, with stints at clubs such as Levante, Espanyol, and Lazio. As a member of Ecuador’s national soccer team, he has brought his talent and experience to crucial matches, scoring numerous goals for his country.
Caicedo’s contributions to the soccer field have inspired fans and fellow athletes alike, representing Ecuador with pride and talent.
#10 Jorge Jácome
- 🏆 Sport(s): Judo
- 🎂 Born in: 1995
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Pan American Games Bronze Medal (Men’s -66kg)
Jorge Jácome has emerged as one of Ecuador’s top judokas, demonstrating his skill and technique at the international level. His impressive performance at the 2019 Pan American Games, where he captured a bronze medal for Ecuador, showcased his potential.
Jácome’s perseverance and commitment to the sport have made him a role model for aspiring judokas in Ecuador, showcasing the country’s talent in martial arts.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Ecuador?
Jefferson Pérez is the greatest athlete in the history of Ecuador, renowned for race walking.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Ecuador?
Neisy Patricia Dajomes Barrera is Ecuador’s most popular female athlete, renowned for weightlifting.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Ecuador?
Football provides the most popular athletes from Ecuador.
Which athlete from Ecuador is the most popular internationally?
Jefferson Pérez, an Olympic gold medalist in race walking, is the most internationally popular athlete from Ecuador.
