The IV Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026
On November 13, the IV Summer Youth Olympic Games concluded in Senegal, marking the first time this event was hosted on the African continent. Represented by 38 athletes—11 boys and 27 girls—Ukraine delivered a strong performance, securing a total of nine medals, three of which were gold. Ukraine finished 11th in the overall medal standings.
Highlights of Ukrainian Athletes’ Achievements
Ukrainian competitors took part in 14 sports disciplines during the Games, including:
- Badminton
- 3x3 Basketball
- Boxing
- Breaking (Breakdancing)
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Judo
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Beach Wrestling
- Wushu
- Fencing
- Futsal
The gold medals were earned by Khazar Heydarov in the judo 66 kg category, the Ukrainian girls’ futsal team, and Milanija Kohan in the hammer throw event.
Silver medals went to Alina Dmytruk for épée fencing, Vitaliy Tarasyuk in the 5000 m race walking, and Nicole Dzhuryk in breaking. Bronze honors were captured by Mykyta Kuzmenko in beach wrestling (up to 70 kg), Darina Kozka in the 5000 m race walk, and Evangelina Petruk in boxing (up to 57 kg).
Notably, the Ukrainian girls’ futsal team made history by winning their first-ever gold at the Youth Olympic Games after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Venezuela in the final. For Ukraine’s young athletes, participation in Dakar 2026 provided a valuable platform to showcase their training levels, gain international competition experience, and represent their nation on the global sporting stage.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports press service, amid the ongoing full-scale war, the opportunity for young athletes to continue their development and compete internationally holds exceptional importance.
The success of Ukraine’s youth athletes in Senegal highlights not only their skill but also their resilience under challenging circumstances. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for young people and demonstrate how sports can play a crucial role in fostering national identity and unity. In times of conflict, participation in such international events carries symbolic weight, signaling unwavering determination and the pursuit of victory despite adversity.
As Ukraine's young athletes continue to shine on the international stage, their remarkable achievements at the Youth Olympic Games are a testament to their dedication and resilience. To explore further details about the overall performance and highlights from the event, including insights on the significance of these accomplishments for Ukraine's sports future, check out this article on Ukraine's medal tally in Senegal.