Senegal wins two beach wrestling gold medals at Dakar Youth Olympics

Senegal won two gold medals in beach wrestling at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, according to France 24 and The Associated Press.

Elisabeth Diatta wins first gold

Elisabeth Diatta, 16, won gold in the women's 55-kilogram division, defeating Japan's Reisa Kojima in the final. France 24 described it as the host country's first gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Diatta said, "I'm so happy to have made history for Senegal." She is from the Casamance region and told The Associated Press she wants "Senegalese girls to believe in themselves, and keep wrestling, because wrestling is not just for men."

Her coach, Isabelle Sambu, a two-time Olympian and nine-time African wrestling champion, said, "We have opened the door for everyone, for all the disciplines that remain, that have not yet competed," and added, "May the medals fall for Senegal."

Maguette Diop wins second gold

Just an hour after Diatta's victory, Maguette Diop, also 16, won gold in the men's 80-kilogram division by defeating Azerbaijan's Nihad Suleymanli. Bénin Web TV reported the score as 4-0 and said Diop finished his campaign undefeated, with three victories in the pool rounds and a semifinal win against Iran's Reza Jalilian.

About the competition

Beach wrestling made its Olympic debut at the Youth Olympic Games, which are taking place in the Senegalese capital Dakar and nearby towns Diamniadio and Saly. Athletes are between 14 and 17. The competition features 96 wrestlers from 52 National Olympic Committees, divided into eight categories: four for women and four for men. It continues on Sunday, November 8.

Why it matters

The two gold medals are Senegal's first at the Youth Olympic Games. Diatta's win came in beach wrestling, a sport practiced on the country's beaches, and her coach called it a symbol of opportunity for Senegalese girls and for other disciplines still to compete at the Games.

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Sources

• france24.com: 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games: Golden Double for Senegal - Sports - France 24
• bozemandailychronicle.com: Senegalese female wrestler wins the nation’s first Olympic gold at Dakar Youth Games
• lethbridgeherald.com: Senegalese female wrestler wins the nation’s first Olympic gold at Dakar Youth Games
• beninwebtv.bj: Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026: Diatta and Diop secure two gold medals for Senegal - BENIN WEB TV

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.