The Senegal Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar ended Friday after two weeks of competitions, concluding on a high note amid widespread public enthusiasm.
It is the first time an African country has hosted an official Olympic-level sporting event. Nearly 2,700 young athletes from around the world participated in 153 medal events across 25 sports, with crowds filling streets and beaches throughout the city.
Medal Standings
China secured the most gold medals overall. Japan earned 11 golds; Russia received eight — marking its return to competition under its national flag since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Egypt won six gold medals, while Ethiopia and Senegal each claimed five. This was also the first time Senegal has ever won an Olympic-level gold medal, with 136 Senegalese athletes participating in the Games.
Olympic Committee Response
In a thank-you address during closing ceremonies, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry said: 'There is a beautiful African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." And if these Youth Olympic Games have shown us anything it is what can happen when an entire country comes together for its young people.'
Coventry praised the Senegalese host nation: 'You have shown the world what Senegal and Africa are capable of, and when people come together behind a shared dream, how strong that can make us. You have every reason to be so proud.'
Say earlier in the week that expectations had been exceeded during the event's organization.
Future Events
The next Summer Youth Olympics will take place in 2030. Bids from Chile, Paraguay, and Thailand have been confirmed as potential hosts for this edition.