Castillo was one of 10 nominees for the annual award, following his success at the Powerlifting World Championships in Mexico City.

The 33-year-old triumphed in front of a home crowd with a dramatic final lift of the competition.

He occupied third place in the men’s up to 107 kilogram competition after two lifts, but achieved a total of 236kg in his final effort to move to the top of the standings.

Castillo secured over half of the public vote for the annual award conducted by the Americas Paralympic Committee.

A total of 58 per cent having gone in his favour.

"Winning this award means a lot not just for me, but for the Paralympic Movement in Mexico," he said.

"Already being among the finalists represents all the hard work we have done over the last years.

"It is a reward for me and for all the people that has supported me since the beginning of my career."

Castillo added: "Winning medals in front of the Mexican crowd is an amazing feeling.

"I did it at the Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games and again at Mexico City 2017.

"It is something I would like to repeat as many times as possible."

Canada’s Mac Marcoux ended as the runner-up in the vote, the Alpine skier securing 34 per cent.

It followed him earning four gold medals at the World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Tarvisio in Italy.

Castillo and Marcoux earned by far the most votes of the nominated athletes.

Colombia’s five-time swimming world champion Carlos Serrano secured six per cent to complete the top three.

The United States’ Tatyana McFadden and Oksana Masters were also nominated for the award, as well as Brazil’s Petrucio Ferreira and Argentine tennis star Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez.

Canada’s Brent Lakatos, Mexico’s Amalia Perez and Trinidad and Tobago’s Akeem Stewart completed the shortlist.