Australian Speed Skaters Celebrate World Skate Games Highlights

Australian speed skaters produced several standout performances at the World Skate Games in Paraguay, highlighted by Asha Hickford’s top-10 finish in the 100m road event and Stuart Cowin’s Masters Marathon world title.

Asha Hickford received a top 10 finish at the world championship event in the 100m road event, a significant milestone in her journey.  

Hickford’s result marked a significant milestone in her progression on the world stage, while Cowin claimed the 55+ Masters Marathon title in Stage 3 of the World Skate Marathon.

Harry Geary also recorded one of his best results to date, finishing 13th in the 5000m points final. Tom Burgdorf finished 68th in the Marathon, while Michael Gray secured sixth place in the 50+ Men’s category.

The Australian team faced challenging conditions throughout the competition, with adverse weather disrupting track events and delays caused by an unfinished road course adding to the physical and mental demands on athletes.

Despite the obstacles, the team continued to support one another, with Asha Hickford and Milo Montoya Giraldo working alongside Jamie Robinson to tackle the demanding marathon course before finishing together in a strong display of teamwork.

Australia also fielded a relay team featuring Harry Geary, Dyllon Knight and Camilo Montoya Giraldo, in a race that tested the athletes’ ability to navigate fallen competitors.

Lahna Meadows had been preparing for these Championships for a long time, and most recently, she spent the last eight months as part of her training program as she entered her first year as a senior athlete. Her grit and determination will only see her improve in this new era of her skating. 

Beyond the results, the campaign highlighted the commitment of the Australian team, with coach and team manager Kevin Geary guiding the athletes through a challenging three weeks. Jamie also played an important support role, contributing to the team’s social media efforts before the event and backing her teammates throughout the competition.

The performances provided plenty of positives for the Australian speed skating contingent, with individual milestones and a Masters world title among the highlights of the World Skate Games campaign.

There were plenty of challenging circumstances that team manager and coach, Kevin Geary, had to deal with for the three weeks, and he took it in his stride. Thank you Kevin! 

And thank you to Bernadine Geary for taking amazing photos, not only of all the Australian athletes, but other athletes across the globe to help promote the sport.  

For Speed Skating results, click here.