Senegal Youth Olympics in Dakar end on high note

The final edition of the Senegal Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar concluded on a high note on Friday, marking the first African country to host an Olympic event. African nations dominated the medal count, collecting a record number of medals. The Games were greeted with enthusiasm, as Dakar's streets and beaches buzzed with sports fans. A total of 2,700 young athletes participated in the event, competing in 153 medal events across 25 sports.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry delivered a thank-you speech on Friday, expressing gratitude to the Senegalese people for their role in hosting the Games. She praised their efforts, stating, "You have shown the world what Senegal and Africa are capable of, and when people come together behind a shared dream, how strong that can make us." Coventry also noted that expectations had been exceeded, highlighting the potential of African nations in future Olympic events.

China emerged as the top gold medal winner with 18, followed by Japan with 11 and Russia with eight. This marked the first time Russian athletes competed under their own flag since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Egypt secured six gold medals, while Ethiopia and Senegal each earned five. Senegal made history by winning its first-ever Olympic gold medal, with 136 Senegalese athletes taking part in the Games.

The next Summer Youth Olympics are scheduled for 2030, with bids from Chile, Paraguay, and Thailand confirmed.