The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal, have seen 57 medals awarded in the first two days of competition. The medals include 17 gold and 17 silver medals. African countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal have started to make their mark on the medal tally. Egypt's judoka Aly Elramly won a bronze medal in the under-81 kg category, while South Africa won two silver medals in rugby sevens and swimming.
The first day of competition on November 1 saw 27 medals awarded, including eight gold and eight silver medals. The second day of competition saw a further 30 medals awarded. Senegal, the host country, opened its medal account with a bronze medal won by judoka Matar Diop in the under-66 kg category. The Senegalese delegation has high ambitions for this edition of the games, and Diop's medal will be a welcome boost.
France won its first gold medal of the games in rugby sevens, defeating South Africa 26-19 in the final. Argentina won the bronze medal in the same event. France also won a bronze medal in the double-mixed beach sprint event in rowing, with Raphaël de Boussac and Elisa Guilloton taking the medal. China won the gold medal, with Austria taking silver.
In the wrestling events, Azerbaijan's Ibrahim Talibov won gold in the under-55 kg category, defeating Croatia's Jona Zvorc in the final. Mongolia's Tugshkhuslen Tungalag and Zambia's Elisha Zimba won bronze medals. In judo, Ukraine's Khazar Heydarov won gold in the under-66 kg category, with Canada's Anes Mati taking silver. Argentina's Thiago Carvallo and Senegal's Matar Diop won bronze medals.
In the swimming events, Croatia's Ana Bobanović won gold in the 100m freestyle, with New Zealand's Alyssa Lawson taking silver. India's Dhinidhi Desinghu won bronze. In the 400m freestyle, Ecuador's Elvira Espinosa won gold, with South Africa's Leah Markgraaff taking silver and Belgium's Célya Paques winning bronze.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will continue to see intense competition as the events progress. The medal tally will continue to change as more medals are awarded. The games are being held from October 29 to November 11, 2026, and will feature 15 sports and 239 events.
The Youth Olympic Games are an important platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level. The games also provide an opportunity for countries to develop their sports infrastructure and promote their athletes. The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar are expected to be a major success, with many African countries competing and winning medals.
Key points
- 57 medals awarded in two days at Youth Olympic Games in Dakar
- Senegal, Egypt, and South Africa win medals in various events
- France wins gold medal in rugby sevens and bronze medal in rowing
