Dakar is living through history. Since 31 October, the Senegalese capital has been hosting the fourth Youth Olympic Games, the first International Olympic Committee competition ever staged on African soil. Until 13 November, some 2,700 athletes aged 15 to 18 are competing for around 150 titles in 25 sports across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The edition also marks a first for gender equality, with the same number of events for boys and girls.
By the end of Wednesday’s competition, 134 medals had already been awarded. Japan has retaken the lead with six golds, one silver and two bronzes, ahead of China with four golds, three silvers and one bronze. Russia completes the provisional podium with three titles.
Africa, for its part, has found its frontrunner. Fourth overall with three golds and one bronze, Egypt is the continent’s leading nation, largely thanks to Zain Ali. The first African champion of these Games in the 100 metres butterfly, the swimmer struck again on Wednesday by winning the 50 metres butterfly in 24.06 seconds, completing a double in the discipline.
South Africa follows in seventh place with five medals, including one gold and three silvers. Kenya claimed a prestigious title through its women’s rugby sevens team, crowned champions, while Madagascar took bronze in the same tournament. Burundi and Zambia have also opened their accounts, the latter thanks to Elisha Zimba.
For the host nation, the record remains modest. Senegal has so far won just one medal, a bronze for judoka Matar Diop in the under-66kg category, secured in golden score against France’s Nathan Gbingbehi after a quarter-final defeat to the eventual Ukrainian champion. Team sports have proved harder, as shown by a heavy 9-2 futsal loss to Argentina.
A ray of light came on Thursday from the Diamniadio equestrian centre. Young Senegalese rider Eden Kazoum won bronze in the team show jumping event as part of a “Team Africa” that also included South Africa’s Bo Reed, Egypt’s Yassin El Bassiuony and Morocco’s Ghali Bougja. She will try to add an individual medal on Friday, in front of her home crowd.
Senegal is also betting on what happens away from the field of play. A food fair set up since 2 November on the Dakar city esplanade showcases the diversity of the continent’s cuisines, echoing the Games’ motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”.
The balance of power remains provisional. Athletics, the flagship sport and a traditional strength for several African nations, only begins on 8 November, raising hopes of a far richer second week for the continent.