Team Namibia Announces Final Team for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

07 Aug 2026

The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) is proud to announce the athletes and officials selected to represent Namibia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. Dakar 2026 will be a historic occasion as the first Olympic event ever to be hosted on African soil, providing a unique opportunity for Africa's young athletes to compete on the world stage.

A total of 12 athletes will represent Namibia across seven sports, supported by a dedicated team of coaches, technical officials, and support staff. The delegation reflects the country's continued commitment to developing young sporting talent and creating pathways for athletes to gain valuable international experience.

A Historic Opportunity for Namibia's Rising Stars

The Youth Olympic Games are more than a competition. They provide young athletes with an opportunity to develop as athletes and ambassadors, gain exposure to international competition, and engage with peers from around the world. Dakar 2026 will bring together the next generation of Olympians in a celebration of sport, culture, and education.

Speaking on the announcement, Team Namibia's Chef de Mission, Maike Betts, said:

"I am honoured to lead Team Namibia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic milestone as the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. As an Olympian, I understand the impact that opportunities like these can have on a young athlete's journey. Having also spent the past several years working in international sport management and administration, I am committed to ensuring our athletes are fully prepared, well supported, and able to perform at their best in Dakar. Beyond the competition, I hope this experience will inspire them, help shape their future sporting careers, and contribute to their growth as confident young leaders and ambassadors for Namibia."

Sports Represented

Team Namibia will compete in the following seven sports at Dakar 2026:

Athletics
Beach Volleyball
Beach Wrestling
Boxing
Cycling
Swimming
Triathlon

Delegation

12 Athletes

7 Sports Represented

8 Coaches and Technical Officials

3 Team Management and Support Staff

23 Delegation Members in Total

The full athlete, coach and official delegation list is available in the official media release below.

Looking Ahead to Dakar

As preparations continue for Dakar 2026, the NNOC congratulates all selected athletes and officials on their achievement. Representing Namibia at the Youth Olympic Games is a significant milestone and a testament to the dedication, hard work, and support of athletes, coaches, federations, and families across the country.

The nation now looks forward to supporting Team Namibia as these young athletes proudly carry the Namibian flag at one of the most significant sporting events in the world and make history at Africa's first-ever Olympic event.

Follow Team Namibia's journey to Dakar 2026 through the NNOC's official channels for athlete stories, team updates, and behind-the-scenes content in the lead-up to the Games.

Download and read the full media release below.

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