Athletes rewrite the rules as Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics come to an end

In Senegal, the inaugural Youth Olympics concluded on Friday evening, with organizers hailing the successful maiden edition as evidence of Africa's capacity to host grand international events. Nearly 2,700 young athletes under 17 from across the globe descended upon Dakar, the capital, to compete in 25 sports and 153 medal events over a fortnight. The excitement was infectious, with spectators in the capital and other host cities erupting in cheers whenever Senegalese or African athletes clinched victories.

A total of 136 athletes from Senegal, a country of 19 million, participated in the Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Kirsty Coventry, remarked that the expectations set for the Games had been surpassed significantly. She added that the event showcased Africa's ability to host major international events, urging the world to build upon this success.

China dominated the medal table with 18 golds, followed by Japan with 11 and Russia with eight. Africa shone brightly with Egypt and Senegal securing five golds each, and Ethiopia with another five. The Games concluded with beach handball, breaking and fencing finals, and a closing ceremony at the Youth Olympic Village in Dakar's Diamniadio suburb. Organisers acknowledged the challenge of demonstrating equal capability across all continents, but succeeded in proving Africa's readiness to host future major events.

The Youth Olympics marked the first Olympic competition since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in which Russian athletes were allowed to compete under their own flag and colours. The Games also hosted a refugee team, primarily composed of athletes based in Africa. South Africa, having previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, could potentially become the first African nation to host the Olympic Games, with 2036 Summer Olympics on the cards.