Paranaense Nelson Salinas Secures Silver Medal at 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe
Nelson Salinas earned a silver medal in men’s compound team archery at the XIII South American Games Santa Fe 2026, according to coverage from regional sports outlets. Competing alongside fellow Argentine archers Iván Nikolajuk and Lucas Garcés, the paranaense athlete navigated a challenging continental field before falling to Colombia in a tightly contested gold-medal match.
The final showdown at the Santa Fe competition showcased immense parity between the two national squads. According to match reports corroborated by regional outlets, Colombia captured the gold medal by defeating the Argentine trio with a narrow score of 231 to 228. The three-point margin capped off a grueling tournament where environmental factors, including strong winds, tested the composure of every competitor on the field.
The silver finish adds another notable achievement to the athlete’s career while carrying the sporting prestige of Entre Ríos to the international stage.
Overcoming Continental Challenges and Weather Conditions
Before securing their place on the podium, Salinas and his teammates faced multiple hurdles throughout the tournament brackets. Weather conditions in Santa Fe played a decisive role in preliminary and elimination rounds, with gusty winds challenging the precision required in compound archery.
The men’s compound squad matched the success of the Argentine women’s archery team, which earlier in the day also secured a silver medal, completing a productive jornada for the national delegation in the regional games.
Gratitude and Local Support from Paraná
Following the medal ceremony, Salinas shared his appreciation for the backing he received from home. In a video message directed to supporters in Paraná, the archer highlighted the emotional value of the community’s backing during the high-stakes international event.
“Un agradecimiento para la gente de Paraná, en especial para mi familia que me hace el aguante.”
As the South American Games continue in Santa Fe, the Argentine archery delegation turns its focus toward remaining individual and team events, carrying the momentum generated by two silver-medal podium finishes.
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