Fifteen years after leaving Paraguay to settle in the coastal Basque town of Lekeitio, twin brothers Juan Geraldo ‘Juange’ and Andre Olmedo have returned to their homeland to represent their country in the World Skate downhill championship in Asunción. The brothers, who work as a leisure monitor and a masseur respectively, funded their own trip and equipment through a personal bank loan and community fundraising events.
From Limpio to Lekeitio and Back
Born in Limpio, a city located about 25 kilometers from the Paraguayan capital, the Olmedo family migrated to Spain when the twins were in their early teens. Settling in Lekeitio on the Bay of Biscay, the brothers pursued various sports before discovering longboard downhill racing through friends and self-directed practice. Though they have previously claimed Euskadi regional titles in Spain, they now compete on the international stage under the Paraguayan flag for the upcoming world championship events.
Financing a World Championship Dream
Neither brother competes as a professional skateboarder, and the Paraguayan Skateboarding Federation does not provide financial backing for their travel or equipment. To cover the 4,000-euro cost of flights and gear, the Olmedo twins secured a bank loan and organized a local fundraiser known as the ‘Skate Eguna’ in Lekeitio during the summer months. They also sold t-shirts through their Instagram accounts (@andresitoolmedo and @juangelong) and accepted donations via PayPal to make the journey possible.
Tackling the Cerro Lambaré Course
The downhill skateboarding competition takes place at Cerro Lambaré, a 156-meter elevation point within the flat terrain of Asunción. Unlike track or park skateboarding, downhill racing involves riders descending steep asphalt roads at speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. For the Asunción course, organizers set a shorter, highly technical route where speeds are expected to peak around 80 kilometers per hour. Ahead of the preliminary rounds, the brothers noted the caliber of the international field, pointing to top competitors from the United States, France, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain.
Training on Cantabrian Mountain Roads
The Olmedo brothers practice on mountain roads in Cantabria, limiting their sessions to early mornings or midday mealtimes when vehicle volume is lowest. Safety protocols involve a support person driving ahead by roughly one kilometer to communicate road conditions via walkie-talkie. If a vehicle approaches, the spotter issues a warning, giving the skaters adequate distance to brake safely on the slope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is downhill skateboarding and how fast do riders go? Downhill skateboarding is a gravity-fed gravity racing discipline where competitors descend steep asphalt mountain passes on longboards. Speeds on standard international courses can exceed 120 kilometers per hour, though shorter technical tracks like the one at Cerro Lambaré feature lower peak speeds of around 80 kilometers per hour.
How did the Olmedo brothers qualify to represent Paraguay? When Asunción was announced as the host city for the world championships, the brothers contacted event organizers. The Paraguayan federation subsequently invited them to join the national squad without holding formal trials.
What financial support did the athletes receive? The Paraguayan Skateboarding Federation provided no financial assistance for the trip. The brothers financed their 4,000-euro expenses out of pocket by taking out a bank loan, organizing the ‘Skate Eguna’ community fundraiser in Lekeitio, and selling merchandise online.
Where do the Olmedo twins train in Spain? The brothers practice their descents on rural roads in Cantabria, utilizing a spotter in a vehicle with walkie-talkies to ensure the course is clear of traffic before they launch.
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