Australia concluded the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with a total of six medals, as Senegal’s hosting marked a significant moment for the Olympic movement in Africa. This event was the first Olympic competition held on the continent, which organizers praised as evidence of Africa’s potential to stage major international sports events.
Nearly 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 competed across 25 sports, with a total of 153 medal events taking place over two weeks. The International Olympic Committee’s President Kirsty Coventry expressed her satisfaction with the success of the games, stating, “Everyone came here with certain expectations and I think those expectations have been far exceeded.” Coventry, a two-time Olympic champion from Zimbabwe, added, “We’ve shown the world the capability that we have.”
Australia’s medal tally included four silver and two bronze medals. Boxer Marley Dodd earned a silver in the men’s 55kg weight class, while Mackenzie Macdonald achieved the first taekwondo medal for Australia at the Youth Olympic Games in the 49kg category. In cycling, Elsie Apps and Caleb McKenzie both secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the women’s and men’s road races. McKenzie demonstrated remarkable determination, completing the race despite being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease earlier this year.
Klizz’s McKenzie reflected on his journey, noting, “I finally pulled it together at the end of this year and had a really good ride.” Apps expressed gratitude for her opportunity, saying, “It’s been really inspiring… it really makes you want more and hopefully I can make it there [to Brisbane 2032].”
In addition to success in cycling, the beach volleyball team of Thomas Turner and Ryan Edgar claimed a bronze medal, while the women’s rugby sevens team narrowly lost to Kenya in the final. Chef de Mission Kenny Wallace highlighted the event’s significance, stating it served as an important milestone for young athletes as they prepare for future competitions, including those in Brisbane in 2032.
Host Nation’s Achievements
For Senegal, the games were historic, featuring the Olympic debut of beach wrestling, a sport of national pride. Elisabeth Diatta won the country’s first-ever gold medal at a home Olympic event. Other new events included baseball5, skateboarding, and wushu, expanding the horizon for youth sports.
China secured the most gold medals with 18, followed by Japan with 11 and Russia with eight. African countries also made notable strides, with Egypt earning six gold medals and Ethiopia and Senegal each taking five.
As the IOC evaluates the impact and future of the Youth Olympic Games, Coventry referenced the need for careful analysis. She pointed out that only 15% of Youth Olympic athletes advance to compete at the full Olympics. Coventry emphasized a commitment to finding the best ways to engage young athletes in the future of the Olympic movement.
