Record African medals and Senegal’s first gold bring Dakar youth olympics to a high note
A landmark event for Africa
Dakar hosted the Summer Youth Olympics for two weeks, with competitions spanning 25 sports and 153 medal events. The event was the first Olympic competition staged in an African country.
Crowds gathered in the city’s streets and on its beaches, while African countries earned a record medal haul. Senegal’s 136 athletes secured the country’s first Olympic gold.
Athletes and medal results
China won the most gold medals at the Games. Japan finished with 11 gold medals, while Russia won eight. Russian athletes competed under their national flag for the first time at an Olympic event since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The Games drew nearly 2,700 young competitors.
Coventry praises Senegal
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry thanked Senegal during a ceremony on Friday. She credited the country’s people for coming together to host the event and support young athletes.
Coventry said expectations for Senegal’s hosting had been surpassed earlier in the week. She also praised the example Senegal and Africa had presented to the world.
Next edition planned for 2030
The next Summer Youth Olympics are scheduled for 2030. Chile, Paraguay and Thailand have confirmed bids to host the Games.
Key points
- Dakar hosted the first Olympic event held in an African country.
- Nearly 2,700 young athletes competed across 25 sports.
- Senegal won its first Olympic gold, and African nations earned a record medal haul.
- Chile, Paraguay and Thailand have confirmed bids for the 2030 Games.