In the 2017 South American Championships disputed in Luque, Ayala, who did not finish the 10, 000 metres, intended to earn a medal in the 5, 000 metres event, in which he concluded in 11th position, signalling that he was unhappy in an interview with Paraguayan news paper ABC Color. Ayala finished with a time of 15.00.30, in the event which Chilean athlete Victor Aravena finished in 1st place.