Harry Clarke defends World Skate Games downhill title

Australia’s Harry Clarke has successfully defended his Downhill Skateboarding World Championship title, claiming gold at the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

The reigning champion produced a dramatic finish to the final, coming from second place in the closing stages before making a clean pass around the final corner to take the lead.

Clarke then powered down the final straight to cross the finish line first and secure back-to-back World Skate Games titles.

The result continues an outstanding run for the Sydney-born rider, who first claimed the World Skate Games title in 2024 in Tortoreto, Italy.

Clarke entered this year’s competition determined to defend his crown, following years of preparation and a strong 2026 season that included a second-place finish at the WDSC Isle of Man round in July.

Clarke got the perfect start in the final, getting off to a flyer, something he had previously spoken about, getting infront of France’s Adrien Paynel to lead at the first corner. 

“The first five seconds of the race is pretty important,” Clarke said. 

“It gives you an advantage over the race, being able to command the race.”

Clarke was in a strong position for the first section, but Paynel made a brilliant move on the inside to take the lead and looked set to claim the world championship. 

The Australian held his nerve and on the final corner, passed on the inside of Paynel in a sweeping lefthander to take a dramatic victory, crossing the line with his hands outreached in victory. 

His latest victory makes Clarke a two-time World Skate Games champion and adds another major international title to an already decorated downhill skateboarding career.

The gold medal also adds to Australia’s strong start at the 2026 World Skate Games, following Hudson Walker’s bronze medal in Vert Skateboarding.