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2026 World Skate Games continues amid athlete protests

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2026-10-19 03:02 UTC → 2026-10-19 18:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción and Luque, Paraguay, continue to face significant controversy regarding athlete safety and logistical management. Following sit-in protests on October 16, concerns have intensified over the state of the asphalt on the Costanera Norte and a lack of protective padding on barriers. These conditions have reportedly led to several accidents, including a serious injury to Argentine skater Juan Cruz Roldán, who sustained injuries after colliding with an unprotected barrier. Larissa Shaerer, the event’s general coordinator, maintains that the local organizing committee is not solely responsible. She stated that the decision to utilize the Costanera Norte was mandated by the International Skating Union to showcase the city, and she has attributed circuit design and scheduling issues to the international federation and the technical commission. While organizers have announced adjustments to ensure safety, the circuit remains a point of contention. Beyond safety concerns, the event has caused major traffic disruptions in Asunción. Road closures on the Costanera and the Botánico Corridor have resulted in significant congestion, with closures scheduled through October 18. ~~Authorities have advised motorists to seek alternative routes.~~ Despite these challenges, ~~individual~~ athletic ~~successes~~ achievements continue. In the adult 100-meter sprint, Spanish skater Jhoan Guzmán won gold and set a new record with a time of 9.467 seconds. Other notable winners include Iran’s Amirmah Yahaghi in the junior category, Colombia’s Geiny Pájaro in the adult female category, and Spain’s Marcos Arias Sánchez, who claimed the junior world championship in inline alpine combined. In roller hockey, Argentina defeated Spain in a penalty shootout to reach the final against France. Additionally, Colombia has secured its 23rd speed skating world title, ~~finishing~~ marking its 16th consecutive championship, and finished at the top of the medal standings with 36 medals. Notable Colombian performances include Kollin Castro, who earned three gold medals and set two world records, and Santiago Vásquez, who set a world record in the 200-meter sprint. Spanish athletes also saw success in inline alpine disciplines, with Marcos Arias winning gold in the junior combined event and Sergio Menéndez winning the senior giant slalom world championship. However, the Spanish roller hockey team finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to Portugal.

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