The 2026 Youth Olympic Games have begun with a bang for African delegations, with four medals already won in judo and swimming. The African countries that have won medals so far are South Africa, Zambia, Senegal, and Egypt. On Sunday, November 1, Elisha Zimba from Zambia won a bronze medal in judo in the under-55kg category. Zimba, 17, won his first match but lost in the quarterfinals. However, he recovered to win the repechage match and then defeated Saudi Arabia's Hebah Mutaz with an ippon to secure the bronze medal.
Senegal's Matar Diop also won a bronze medal in judo, in front of his home crowd. Diop won his first match but lost in the quarterfinals, just like Zimba. He then won two repechage matches before facing France's Nathan Gbingbehi for the bronze medal. Diop emerged victorious with a waza-ari, sparking celebrations in the arena as Senegal's first medal in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. These medals mark a strong start for African athletes in the judo events.
In swimming, South Africa's Leah Markgraaff won a silver medal in the 400m freestyle event. Markgraaff led the race at one point but slowed down and finished second behind Ecuador's Elvira Espinosa. Her time of 4'26''13 was impressive, and she will look to win more medals in the 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle events later in the competition. Markgraaff's performance was a proud moment for South African swimming.
Egypt's Ali Zain won the first gold medal for Africa in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, dominating the 100m butterfly event. Zain set the fastest time in the qualifying rounds and then improved on it in the final, winning with a time of 52''16. The 17-year-old Egyptian athlete will look to add to his medal tally in the 50m butterfly and 200m butterfly events. Zain's victory sparked celebrations among Egyptian fans.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are being held in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first time the event has been hosted in Africa. The games feature a range of sports and have attracted athletes from across the continent. The medals won by African athletes so far have been a highlight of the early stages of the competition. Fans are eagerly anticipating the rest of the events.
The four medals won by African athletes demonstrate the strength and depth of talent on the continent. The medals were won in two sports, judo and swimming, highlighting the diversity of African athletic ability. As the competition continues, fans will be watching to see if African athletes can add to their medal tally. The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are an important platform for young athletes to showcase their skills.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games will continue until November 6, with many more events and medals up for grabs. African athletes will look to build on their early success and win more medals. The games are being closely followed by fans across the continent, who are eager to see their athletes succeed on the world stage. The medals won so far are a testament to the hard work and dedication of African athletes.
Key points
- African athletes have won four medals, including one gold, in the first days of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
- The medals were won in judo and swimming, highlighting the diversity of African athletic ability.
- The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are being held in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first time the event has been hosted in Africa.
