Harry Clarke leads Australian downhill charge with back-to-back world titles

Australia’s Harry Clarke successfully defended his Downhill Skateboarding World Championship title, leading a determined Australian team across downhill skateboarding, slalom, street luge and inline downhill at the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

Clarke delivered a dramatic finish to the men’s downhill skateboarding final, passing France’s Adrien Paynel around the final corner before powering down the straight to secure gold and become a two-time World Skate Games champion.

The victory continued an outstanding international career for the Sydney-born rider, who first claimed the title in 2024 in Italy before returning to Paraguay determined to defend his crown.

Deanne Panya returns to the world stage

The Australian campaign also featured a special return to international competition, with Panya stepping back onto the world stage for the first time since 2012 to compete in downhill skateboarding.

Rounding out the Australian downhill skateboarding team were Dejan Djukic, Adam Lewis and Caspian Baska, who joined Clarke in representing Australia against the world’s best.

Team managers Zak Mills-Goodwin and Jack Meyn also competed, balancing their responsibilities supporting the 13-strong Australian team with their own racing commitments.

Zak finished 10th in the men’s downhill skateboarding event on a wet course, while Jack placed 31st, just one point ahead of Ethan.

Slalom tests precision and consistency

Australia also took on the demanding slalom skateboarding events, which require athletes to navigate a steep course while negotiating cones and avoiding time penalties and disqualification.

Ryan Nichols finished 25th in the men’s event, while Imogen McMillan returned to the World Skate Games after competing in both 2022 and 2024.

A season of competition leading into the Games helped prepare Imogen for the challenge of the women’s Giant, Hybrid and Tight Slalom disciplines, where she finished 11th.

Introduced at the 2022 World Skate Games, slalom continues to provide Australian athletes with another opportunity to test themselves on the international stage.

Street luge and inline downhill deliver high-speed action

In street luge, Ian Kemp recorded a time of 1:35.723 in the time trial, while Julian Slaney qualified eighth before finishing seventh in the event.

Cameron Hancock also put his speed to the test in inline downhill, recording a time of 1:26.271 in the time trial down Lamare Hill in Paraguay.

The performances highlighted the speed, precision and commitment required across the downhill disciplines, with athletes facing challenging courses and conditions throughout the competition.

Team effort continues beyond Paraguay

The Australian campaign was supported by the work of team managers Zak and Jack, who helped manage the 13-athlete team while also competing themselves.

With the World Skate Games complete, the team’s international campaign is far from over, with athletes set to travel to Thailand and Brazil for further competition.

Clarke’s successful title defence provided a standout result for Australia, while the broader team gained valuable international experience across a range of demanding disciplines.