The 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, will feature seven athletes from Gabon competing in five sports. Their goal is to win at least one medal, a feat that has yet to be achieved by Gabon in the history of the Youth Olympics. At previous editions in Singapore, Nanjing, and Buenos Aires, Gabon's young athletes returned without any medals. The current team, however, has shown promise, with some athletes having trained abroad and gaining valuable experience.
One of Gabon's strongest hopes for a medal is Tracy Assengone, who competes in wushu. Assengone has trained in China and is ranked among the top 15 in her category worldwide. Her chances of winning are considered high, given the relatively open nature of the discipline. Another sport where Gabon has high expectations is taekwondo, with Claude Boulouchi and Joinika Kowengue returning from training camps in Germany and South Korea.
In taekwondo, Boulouchi and Kowengue are considered to have a 50% chance of winning a medal, according to estimates. The sport is seen as highly competitive, but also offers opportunities for upsets. With two bronze medals available, reaching the quarterfinals could be enough to secure a podium finish. Meanwhile, Ghyslain Ndong, who competes in judo, is seen as an outsider who could surprise his opponents.
Ndong will also benefit from the mixed-team event in judo, which offers a second chance at a medal even if he is eliminated in the individual competition. In athletics, Grâce Massala will compete in the 100m and 200m events, with her primary goal being to reach the semifinals and set a personal best. A top-eight finish would be a historic achievement for Gabon.
The Gabonese team also includes Axelle Moulenda and Ozavino Ngaka, who will compete in swimming. While their chances of winning a medal are considered low due to the high level of competition, the experience of participating in the Olympics and improving their times will be valuable for their future development.
The 2026 Youth Olympics will take place in Dakar from October 31 to November 14. The event is expected to bring together young athletes from around the world, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and gain international experience. For Gabon's athletes, the experience will be a valuable stepping stone in their sporting careers.
According to Dr. Diane Chancelia Bouanga, the team's coach, the focus is not on putting pressure on the athletes but on helping them take responsibility for their performances. The team's preparation has been ongoing, with some athletes training abroad to gain experience and improve their skills.
Key points
- Gabon's seven athletes will compete in five sports at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar.
- The team is aiming to win at least one medal, a first for Gabon in the history of the Youth Olympics.
- Tracy Assengone, who competes in wushu, is considered one of Gabon's strongest hopes for a medal.
