Kipchoge Hails Team Kenya's Performance at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

DAKAR, Senegal -World marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has praised Team Kenya for its impressive performances at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, celebrating the country's young athletes for showcasing their talent on the international stage.

Kipchoge, who is serving as a Global Ambassador for the Games, expressed his pride in the Kenyan contingent after witnessing the athletes compete across various sporting disciplines in Senegal.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion said Kenya's performance demonstrated the depth of sporting talent available in the country and the potential of Africa's younger generation to compete successfully at international competitions.

"The games have been wonderful, it has been a great experience, Kenya has been performing well and it is evident that Kenya and Africa has the right talent to win many races or competitions in future. I am really proud to see the success of Kenyan athletes," Kipchoge said.

Team Kenya delivers impressive medal performance

Kenya's young athletes have delivered a strong performance at the Dakar Games, collecting six medals comprising four gold and two silver as of November 12.

Among the standout performances was the Kenyan women's rugby sevens team, which secured gold after defeating Australia 17-12 in a dramatic final.

In athletics, Faith Rono won gold in the women's 3,000 metres, while Enock Tuitoek claimed gold in the men's 3,000 metres.

Abigael Kosgei also secured gold in the women's 2,000 metres steeplechase.

Kenya's silver medals came through Wesley Kipkech in the men's 2,000 metres steeplechase and Abigael Chepkirui in the women's 1,500 metres.

The medal haul represents an improvement on Kenya's performance at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where the country won four medals, including three gold and one silver.

Kipchoge challenges Kenya to host future Youth Olympics

Beyond celebrating the athletes, Kipchoge believes Kenya has the infrastructure and sporting capacity required to host major international sporting competitions, including future editions of the Youth Olympic Games.

He praised Senegal for successfully hosting the first-ever Olympic sporting event on African soil, describing the achievement as an important milestone for the continent.

"I am really impressed with what Senegal has showcased in this Youth Games. It shows that Africa is capable of organizing and managing such big sporting events," Kipchoge said.

He added that Kenya was well-positioned to stage similar competitions, pointing to the country's existing sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting international events.

The remarks could reignite discussions about Kenya's ambitions to attract more major international sporting events and strengthen its position as a leading sporting destination in Africa.

Kipchoge uses global platform to mentor young athletes

Kipchoge's presence in Dakar extends beyond supporting Team Kenya. As a Global Ambassador, he has been engaging with young athletes from different countries, sharing lessons from his successful career and encouraging the next generation to pursue their sporting ambitions.

His mentorship role also includes supporting the Refugee Olympic Team, which is making its Youth Olympic Games debut.

The legendary marathoner has consistently emphasised the importance of discipline, education, determination and positive values in achieving success both in sport and in life.

A promising future for Kenyan sports

Team Kenya's performance in Dakar provides another indication of the country's emerging sporting talent beyond its established dominance in long-distance running.

The success of the women's rugby team, alongside the achievements of young track and field athletes, highlights the potential for Kenya to expand its international competitiveness across multiple sporting disciplines.

With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games scheduled to conclude on November 13, Kenya's participation has provided its young athletes with valuable international exposure and experience.

For Kipchoge, the achievements in Dakar represent more than medals. They reflect the potential of a new generation of African athletes capable of shaping the future of global sport.