Team Ireland has today announced the athletes who will represent the nation at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, with three young competitors set to take to the world stage from 31 October to 13 November in Senegal.
This edition of the Games marks a historic moment as the first Olympic event ever to be held on the African continent, bringing together 4,500 athletes aged 15 to 18 across more than 30 sports.
For Team Ireland, Dakar represents an opportunity to introduce youth athletes to a multi-sport world stage and strengthen continuity between youth events and the senior Olympic Games.
The athletes came together last Monday for a Team Day, which included education sessions, Gamestime preparation, and an introduction to Senegalese culture through a presentation from the Irish Council of Senegal and a drumming workshop.
The threeathlete team features competitors across Badminton, Boxing and Coastal Rowing, with each athlete earning their place through strong performances and clear potential on the Olympic pathway.
Team Ireland Athletes
Hannah Shochan will compete in Badminton Girls’ Singles. Aged 15, she is the youngest member of the team and previously represented Ireland at the EYOF in Skopje 2025. Shochan trains with South Dublin Badminton Club and is a Transition Year student in Dominican College.
Kristian Jubani will compete in the Men’s 50kg Boxing category. Continuing Ireland’s proud tradition in youth boxing, the 17‑year‑old Crumlin Boxing Club athlete arrives in Dakar following a standout performance at the European U19 Championships last week, where he won silver.
Kate Dunne will represent Ireland in Coastal Rowing, competing in the Women’s Solos in the Beach Sprints. A member of Wicklow Rowing Club, 17-year-old Dunne’s selection comes at a significant moment for the sport, with Dakar marking the first time an IOC event includes coastal rowing. Beach sprints will also feature on the Olympic programme for the first time at LA2028, positioning Dunne at the forefront of the growing discipline.
Team Ireland Chef de Mission for Dakar 2026, Nancy Chillingworth, said,
“We’re really looking forward to supporting this team as they take their next steps on the Olympic pathway. At the Team Day earlier this week, the athletes received world‑class insights from the Sport Ireland Institute, which is a key part of the Youth Olympic experience. It’s an opportunity to introduce them to high‑performance behaviours and a multi‑sport team culture in a way that’s engaging, age‑appropriate and, importantly, fun. Dakar will give them a chance to learn, grow and enjoy representing Ireland on a global stage, and we’re excited to be with them for that journey.”
Team Ireland Schedule:
| DATE | SPORT | ATHLETE |
| 31 October | Opening Ceremony | Team |
| 31 October | Rowing Beach Sprints Women’s Solo TT 1 | Kate Dunne |
| 1 November | Badminton Women’s Singles Group | Hannah Shochan |
| 1 November | Rowing Beach Sprints Women’s Solo TT 2 | Kate Dunne |
| 2 November | Badminton Women’s Singles Group | Hannah Shochan |
| 2 November | Rowing Beach Sprints Women’s Solo Last 16 | Kate Dunne |
| 3 November | Badminton Women’s Singles Group | Hannah Shochan |
| 3 November | Rowing Beach Sprints Women’s Solo Last 8 | Kate Dunne |
| 4 November | Badminton Women’s Singles QF SF | Hannah Shochan |
| 5 November | Badminton Women’s Singles Final | Hannah Shochan |
| 8 November | Boxing Men’s 50k Preliminary | Kristian Jublani |
| 10 November | Boxing Men’s 50k QF | Kristian Jublani |
| 11 November | Boxing Men’s 50k SF | Kristian Jublani |
| 12 November | Boxing Men’s 50k Final | Kristian Jublani |
| 13 November | Closing Ceremony | Team |