For Anabella Portaluppi, artistic skating is more than just a sport. It is a way of expression, competitiveness and collective effort. The young Paraguayan athlete has dedicated 10 years of her life to the discipline and continues to pursue new goals. Both personally and for the development of the sport in Paraguay.
She appeared on the COP Expo 2026, promoting her sport with her colleagues and teachers, taking place at the Olympic Park of Paraguay. Events like the Expo are perfect for a sport like hers; it allow to gain visibility, recognition and interest. The Asuncion Times sits down with Anabella Portalluppi, to learn more about the sport in Paraguay, her participation in the COP Expo and more.
Anabella Portaluppi, a young reference of artistic skating
At just 16 years old, Anabella Portaluppi is already part of the national team. Her journey reflects years of discipline and commitment. “Practicing artistic skating in Paraguay means hard work, long trainings and a process with many coaches. In fact, my coach is the head coach, which is very important”, she starts.
Her introduction to the sport came through family encouragement. “My mom was the one who wanted me to try every sport. A coach came and told her about artistic skating. And it started with little shows and I really liked it.”
She began competing nationally at the age of 8 and internationally at 11, building experience over the years. “With 10 years of artistic skating, its a habit for me competing. I know the routines that I need to do. Now the challenge rests on working mentally, physically and with all my team to get the better results possible.”
Promoting the sport at the COP Expo
Her participation in the COP Expo 2026 marks an important step in promoting artistic skating to a broader audience. “Participating at the COP Expo was really nice. I really liked it because it was my first time participating. It was about showing my sport and explaining to people what artistic skating is. People asked me a lot of thing likes, like where do I get my inspiration and how to put the roller skates.”
Anabella Portaluppi highlights how the event helped clarify misconceptions about the discipline. “Events like these, for example, help people understand what artistic skating is. People ask me if it is ice skating and we do not have ice here. I explain to them that it is artistically and technically very demanding. I explain to them the modalities: individual, couples or quartet”, says Anabella.
She also engaged with the public and media for the first time in this context. “It was the first time that I explained my sport to press and public. People were interested to hear me talk about artistic skating. Many moms, for example, were asking me for explanations, tips and recommendations for her daughters.”
“Being it the first time I explained my sport to so many, it was kind of strange of doing that. But at the same time, I liked explaining my sport to people who are interested. Because artistic skating really needs visibility. It is going to take a lot of effort for artistic skating to become an Olympic sport here in Paraguay, which is one of my dreams,” she explains.
The future for Anabella Portaluppi
Looking forward, Anabella Portaluppi has clear objectives in mind, including entering the world ranking and qualifying for major competitions. “One of my goals is to be in the world ranking. From this year on, I can be in the world championship. There are two selective programmes in the year, the first we already did. Then, the first and second selective programmes add up to entering the rankings, with the second one being in August,” she explains.
Her focus is set on the World Skate Games, which will take place in Asunción in October 2026. Only two Paraguayan athletes will qualify in her category. In the long term, she also dreams of competing in the Olympics and opening her own academy.
“If I qualify, I will be very happy and proud of myself. Also, because it is going to be my first world championship. Being it in Asunción, I will work the triple and maintain hope to deliver good performances. I am really happy that the World Skate Games will take place here. All of my friends and family will be there and surely it will make it another totally different experience,”concludes Anabella.
