Today’s schedule was cut short due to a heavy storm that hit Paraguay. As a result, the afternoon events were canceled, and the medalists in the 500m plus distance and 5000m points races, both men’s and women’s, will only be decided tomorrow.
However, during the morning session, athletes were able to qualify for the first of these finals (500m + distance), starting with the initial heats and later the semifinals. Under a sky that grew darker by the minute, skaters pushed through as the track began to feel the first drops of rain.
In the women’s category, Colombia’s Kollin Castro was the fastest with a time of 46.134. She dominated both rounds, setting her best mark in the opening heat at 45.208. Joining her in tomorrow’s final are Catalina Lorca of Chile, Ivonne Nochez of El Salvador, and Wilmary Toro of Venezuela.
On the men’s side, the race was just as tight, with six skaters finishing within the same second. However, only four advanced to the medal race. In the semifinal, the fastest was the United States’ Jacob Melton, clocking 44.208, followed by Santiago Vázquez of Colombia, José Carlos Rodas of Venezuela, and Jeremy Ulcuango of Ecuador — all through to the 500m final.
Tomorrow promises a packed schedule for the sport’s closing day at ASU2025. In the morning, the finals for the 500m plus distance and 5000m points races will take place in both men’s and women’s divisions. Later, in the afternoon, the competition will wrap up with the men’s and women’s 10,000m elimination races.
