DAKAR, Senegal — The International Olympic Committee, IOC, announced on Monday, April 20, 2026, an initial group of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, as preparations continue for the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on the African continent.
The selected athletes include Olympic champions, medallists and experienced competitors drawn from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports featured in the programme, the committee said.
According to the IOC, the Athlete Role Models will provide mentoring and deliver workshops for young competitors during the Games, offering guidance on areas including career development, injury prevention and mental preparation.
Athletes Selected Across Multiple Disciplines
The group spans a wide range of sports and countries, including Clarisse Agbegnenou in judo, Rayssa Leal in skateboarding, Vincent Luis in triathlon and Blessing Oborududu in wrestling.
Other selected athletes include Halimah Nakaayi, Dina Meshref, Ruth Gbagbi and Richard Torrez Jr., among others.
The IOC said the programme, introduced at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, remains a central feature of each edition, aimed at enhancing the experience of young participants through direct interaction with elite athletes.
Mentorship and Engagement
The Athlete Role Models are expected to attend training sessions, support competitors during events and participate in community outreach activities. They will also take part in ceremonies and engage with athletes outside competition settings.
Siwei Zheng, an Olympic champion, said the role extended beyond competition.
“This opportunity is a powerful extension of my life’s work… It allows me to show that being a ‘champion’ isn’t just about medals – it’s about how you live, lead and lift others up.”
Asunción Batista described the role as an opportunity for “growth, purpose and the chance to be part of something bigger than me.”
For Combe Seck, who carried Senegal’s flag at the Paris 2024 ceremonies, the selection carries local significance.
“This opportunity represents a real challenge and is a great source of pride for me,” she said.
“Being an Athlete Role Model in Dakar, my city, is a chance to push myself, bring value and contribute to something truly meaningful.”
Jamila Lunkuse said representation was a key motivation. “I want to be that visible presence for young athletes that I didn’t always have.”
Focus on Youth Development
Kaveh Mehrabi, the IOC’s director of the athletes’ department, said the initiative plays a significant role in shaping the experience of participants.
“Like many in our society, young athletes naturally look up to Olympians for guidance and inspiration,” Mehrabi said.
“They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, bringing together around 2,700 athletes aged up to 17 across venues in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The Full List:
- Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA, judo)
- Stéphane Badji (SEN, football)
- Christopher Bak (USA, rowing)
- Asunción Batista (ESP, beach handball)
- Rémy Bedu (FRA, golf)
- Yves Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
- Jean-Pierre Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
- Darcy Bourne (GBR, hockey)
- Douglas Brose (BRA, karate)
- Sheila Chajira (KEN, rugby sevens)
- Doaa Elghobashy (EGY, beach volleyball)
- Jomana Elsaiy (EGY, shooting)
- Ruth Gbagbi (CIV, taekwondo)
- Sonja Greinacher (GER, basketball 3×3)
- Zohra Nora Kehli (ALG, fencing)
- Khadija Krimi (TUN, rowing)
- Xiaoxiao Lai (CHN, wushu)
- Rayssa Leal (BRA, skateboarding)
- Vincent Luis (FRA, triathlon)
- Jamila Lunkuse (UGA, swimming)
- Dina Meshref (EGY, table tennis)
- Halimah Nakaayi (UGA, athletics)
- Kaylia Nemour (ALG, artistic gymnastics)
- Blessing Oborududu (NGR, wrestling)
- Forrester Osei (GHA, weightlifting)
- Ayako Rokkaku (JPN, baseball5, baseball/softball)
- Edmond Sanka (SEN, canoe sprint, Para canoe)
- Combe Seck (SEN, canoe sprint)
- Richard Torrez Jr. (USA, boxing)
- Maja Włoszczowska (POL, cycling)
- Siwei Zheng (CHN, badminton)
