Dakar 2026: Ten African youth athletes to watch at the Youth Olympics

What the report says

The Independent Uganda published a preview of Dakar 2026, describing the Youth Olympic Games as a landmark event for African sport because it will be the first Olympic sporting event held on the continent. The report says about 2,700 athletes aged 15 to 18 are set to compete in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly from 31 October to 13 November 2026, with African prospects competing in disciplines ranging from athletics and judo to table tennis, triathlon, swimming and skateboarding.

The piece highlights young athletes from several countries who have already shown strong results in regional, continental or global events. Among them are Ghana’s Joanita Borteye in table tennis, Kenya’s David Kapaiko Sekento in middle-distance running, Tunisia’s Ranim Ben Sliman in judo, Senegal’s Coura Sall in triathlon, Ethiopia’s Elsabet Amare in the 1,500m, Côte d’Ivoire’s Bosson Greccy Hillary in the 100m, Zimbabwe’s Connor Grist in swimming and South Africa’s Botho Losaba in skateboarding. The article also refers to Nigeria’s Oluwafunmilayo Favour Ojo in table tennis, though the provided text cuts off before her full profile.

Across the profiles, the common thread is that these athletes arrive in Dakar with recent medals, personal bests or other competitive experience that could help them at the Games. The report frames their participation as part of a broader sign of African depth in youth sport, while also noting the value of home-field familiarity for some competitors, including those who have already raced or trained in Senegal. More broadly, the event gives the continent a rare chance to showcase the next generation of talent on home soil.