Senegal has won its first medal at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, with Eden Kazoum and Team Africa taking the bronze in the team jumping event. The competition was held at the Diamniadio Equestrian Centre, where Kazoum, a Senegalese rider, contributed to the continental podium finish. Team Africa, comprising riders from several countries, finished third. Kazoum shared the distinction with South African Bo Reed, Egyptian Yassin El Bassiuony, and Moroccan Ghali Bougja.
Kazoum's medal is a reward for years of progress in the demanding discipline of equestrianism, where precision, technical mastery, and rider-horse harmony are crucial. In 2025, she won the Senegalese junior championship title and, in January 2026, triumphed in the Grand Prix de saut d'obstacles des Écuries Hann Marinas in the National 2 category. Her path to the YOG was marked by her qualification in May 2025 at the World Jumping Challenge, securing her spot in Dakar 2026 and offering Senegal a place in the equestrian competition.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 mark a significant milestone for African equestrianism, with Kazoum's achievement highlighting the continent's growing presence in the sport. The event has brought together young athletes from across Africa, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. Kazoum's success is an inspiration to aspiring riders in Senegal and beyond.
Kazoum's journey to the medal was not without its challenges. She had to overcome stiff competition from other talented riders to secure her place on Team Africa. Her dedication and perseverance have paid off, and she is now set to compete in the individual final of the team jumping event, scheduled for November 6 at the Diamniadio Equestrian Centre.
The Senegalese equestrian team has been making waves at the YOG, with Kazoum's bronze medal being a standout achievement. The team's success is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the riders, trainers, and support staff. As the Games continue, Senegal and the rest of Africa will be watching with bated breath as Kazoum and her teammates compete for more medals.
Kazoum's achievement has sparked widespread excitement in Senegal, with many celebrating her success on social media. The country's sports fans are eagerly anticipating her next performance, as she prepares to take on the best riders in the world in the individual final. With her bronze medal, Kazoum has already made history, becoming one of Senegal's first Olympic medalists in equestrianism.
As the YOG in Dakar 2026 draw to a close, Kazoum's bronze medal will be remembered as a highlight of the event. Her achievement serves as a reminder of the talent and potential that exists in African equestrianism, and she will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of riders to follow in her footsteps.
Key points
- Eden Kazoum and Team Africa won the bronze medal in the team jumping event at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
- Kazoum's achievement is a reward for years of progress in the demanding discipline of equestrianism.
- The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 mark a significant milestone for African equestrianism, with Kazoum's achievement highlighting the continent's growing presence in the sport.
