Team Ireland is preparing for an exciting milestone on the Olympic pathway as we look ahead to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. This is the first Olympic event ever to be hosted on the African continent. The Games take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together the world’s best young athletes for a celebration of sport, culture and development. This is the first summer Youth Olympic Games to take place since the Buenos Aires Games in 2018.
Dakar 2026 will feature approximately 4,500 athletes aged 15–18, competing across more than 30 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The event places a strong emphasis on innovation, youth engagement and community impact, marking a new chapter for the Olympic Movement.
Three Quota Places Secured for Team Ireland
Ireland has accepted three quota spots for Dakar 2026, reflecting strong performances across multiple youth pathways:
These quota places allow Ireland to enter one athlete or crew in each discipline, subject to meeting Team Ireland’s selection standards.
The Selection Criteria Policies for all three sports are now published and available on the Team Ireland website.
These documents outline the eligibility requirements, performance standards and nomination processes for athletes aiming to compete at the Youth Olympic Games.
A Significant Moment for Irish Youth Sport
Dakar 2026 represents a major opportunity for emerging Irish athletes to gain invaluable international experience on one of the world’s biggest youth sporting stages. The Youth Olympic Games have long been a proving ground for future Olympians, with past editions featuring athletes who later progressed to senior Olympic finals and podiums, such as Mona McSharry (Buenos Aires 2018, Olympic Bronze Medallist in Swimming), Eimear Lambe (Nanjing 2014, Olympic Bronze Medallist in Rowing) and Katie Mullan (Singapore 2010, Olympic Hockey Captain).
With preparations now underway across the three qualified sports, Team Ireland will continue to work closely with National Federations, coaches and athletes in the leadup to the Games.
Further updates on athlete selections and Games preparations will be shared over the coming months.