Neuquén province added to its medal tally at the 2026 Juegos Patagónicos Unificados with gold medal performances in swimming, gymnastics, archery and wrestling, officials confirmed on April 23, 2026.
The achievements came during the penultimate day of competition for the Juegos Epade, which opened its 19th edition earlier in the week in Neuquén and will continue into next month. Simultaneously, provincial athletes competed in the Cuartos Juegos de la Integración Patagónica across Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego.
In the swimming events held at the natatorio del Club Petroleros Jerárquicos, Melina García captured gold in the women’s 100-meter butterfly. Her teammate Valentino Alegría also won gold in the men’s 100-meter butterfly. García additionally earned a bronze medal in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, although Martín Vega secured bronze in the men’s 100-meter butterfly.
The women’s 4×100-meter medley relay team — composed of Melina García, Oliva Fidel, Roma Otero and Vera Mañueco — claimed the silver medal in their event.
Meanwhile, in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz province, Neuquén’s men’s artistic gymnastics team won two gold medals. Felipe Bruni, Gonzalo Palma and Joaquín Rutherford captured the all-around title, which combines scores from all six apparatuses. The same trio also won the team competition.
The province also earned a second-place finish overall at the seventh edition of the Juegos ParaEpade, held in Chubut, demonstrating strong performance by athletes with disabilities.
Neuquén is serving as host for three disciplines of the Juegos Patagónicos Unificados this year, with swimming being the first to commence. The natatorio del Club Petroleros Jerárquicos is hosting competitors from Río Negro, La Pampa, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego.
Later in the schedule, Neuquén will host athletics at the Ciudad Deportiva track and handball at the Ruca Che stadium from May 17-23. The Ruca Che venue underwent remodeling last year to mark its 30th anniversary.
Radio y Televisión del Neuquén (RTN) is providing special coverage of all competition days through its official channels, showcasing juvenile athletes from across the region.
As the Juegos Patagónicos Unificados continue, Neuquén’s delegation remains active across multiple venues and disciplines, contributing to the province’s growing presence in regional youth sports competition.
What’s next: Neuquén will host athletics and handball events from May 17-23 as part of the Juegos Epade program.
Stay updated on Archysport for continued coverage of the Juegos Patagónicos Unificados and other regional sporting events.
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