Senegal Ranks Seventh at Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026

The Senegalese team has made a remarkable performance at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, securing five medals, including three gold and two bronze, to rank seventh in the overall standings. Ndeye Khady Anna Diatta's gold medal in beach wrestling, specifically in the under-45 kg category, was a highlight of the team's achievement. Diatta defeated Mexican Karen Araceli Rios Silva, who took silver, and Colombian Valery Edith Rubio Torres, who won bronze.

Abdoulaye Diouf also contributed to Senegal's medal tally, winning bronze in the under-90 kg category of beach wrestling. The gold medal in this category went to Azerbaijani Elgun Karimli, who defeated Georgian Nuradin Mustafayev, who took silver. These results add to Matar Diop's earlier achievement, where he won gold in the under-66 kg category of judo, giving Senegal its first gold medal.

Other African nations have also made significant contributions to the medal tally. Nigeria achieved a double victory in the 100 meters athletics event, with Gift Bright winning gold in the men's category and Rosemary Nwankwo taking gold in the women's category. Kenya's Enock Tuitoek won gold in the 3,000 meters men's event, while the Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Sawadogo secured bronze in the men's long jump category.

The African nations' medal tally also includes Egypt, which has taken the lead in the continent's standings. Egyptian Kamal Youssef Hassan won gold in the under-48 kg category of taekwondo, defeating French Maxence Botta, who took silver. The South African John-Pierre Theron won silver in the men's hammer throw event, while Egyptian Mohamed Ismail took bronze.

At the top of the overall standings, China maintains its lead with 17 medals, including 11 gold and four silver. China secured its position with Zhang Keyi's victory in the women's 110 meters hurdles event. Japan ranks second with 16 medals, including nine gold, three silver, and four bronze, while Russia completes the podium with 10 medals, including six gold and four silver.

Egypt remains the top African nation in the overall standings, ranking fourth with eight medals, including five gold and one silver. Senegal's achievement marks a significant milestone for the nation, demonstrating its potential in various sports disciplines at the Youth Olympic Games.

As the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 continue, African nations will look to build on their current medal tally and improve their standings. The competition has seen remarkable performances from various nations, and the final standings are expected to be closely contested.

Key points

• Senegal ranks seventh with five medals, including three gold and two bronze.
• Egypt leads African nations with eight medals, including five gold and one silver.
• China maintains its lead in the overall standings with 17 medals.