Uganda Secures Two Bronze Medals at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Uganda has won two bronze medals in athletics at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. The medals were secured by Michael Kibet and Keren Chelimo, who both delivered impressive performances. Kibet claimed bronze in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase with a personal best time of 5:39.50. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Uganda's young athletes, who are showcasing their talent and potential on the international stage.

The men’s 2,000m steeplechase event saw Ethiopia’s Junedin Abdo take gold with a time of 5:29.30, while Kenya’s Wesley Kiplagat Kipkech secured silver in 5:36.28. The podium was dominated by East African athletes, highlighting the region's strong presence in distance running. Kibet's bronze medal is a notable achievement, considering the competitive field of athletes from top-performing countries in the region.

Keren Chelimo also secured bronze in the women’s 3,000m event, finishing with a season’s best time of 9:32.41. The women’s event saw Kenya’s Faith Rono take gold in 9:15.47, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Yordanos Tsigab, who settled for silver in 9:15.71. The all-East African podium in both events underscores the region's dominance in distance running and bodes well for the future of athletics in Uganda.

The double medal achievement is a significant boost to Uganda’s growing presence on the international athletics stage. The country's young athletes are continuing to make their mark, and this achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Uganda sent 25 athletes from seven federations to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, which are set to conclude on Friday.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games have provided a platform for young athletes from around the world to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. For Uganda, the games have been an opportunity to assess its athletic talent and identify areas for improvement. The experience gained by the athletes will be invaluable in their future endeavors.

The Ugandan team's performance at the games is a positive indicator of the country's potential in athletics. With the right support and training, Uganda's young athletes can continue to grow and develop their skills, ultimately contributing to the country's success in international competitions. The medals won by Kibet and Chelimo are a source of pride for the nation and a motivation for other athletes to strive for excellence.

As the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics near their conclusion, Uganda's athletes will look to build on their experience and apply the lessons learned to future competitions. The country's presence at the games has been marked by notable achievements, and the two bronze medals won in athletics are a highlight of its performance. The nation's young athletes have demonstrated their potential, and with continued support, they can achieve even greater success in the years to come.

Key points

• Uganda won two bronze medals in athletics at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.