Dakar 2026
31st Oct 2026 – 13th Nov 2026
About
Dakar 2026 makes history as the first Olympic event ever held on the African continent, bringing together 4,500 young athletes aged 15 to 18 across more than 30 sports in Senegal. Competitions take place across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Ireland will be represented by three athletes across badminton, boxing and coastal rowing. Kristian Jubani competes in the men's 50kg boxing, arriving in Dakar on the back of a silver medal at the European Under-19 Championships. Hannah Shochan competes in the badminton girls' singles at the age of 15, having previously competed at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje in 2025. Kate Dunne competes in the women's coastal rowing beach sprints - a discipline making its debut at an IOC event at these Games and set to feature at the LA28 Olympic Games for the first time.
