French Delegations Open Youth Olympic Games in Dakar With Mixed Early Results
The first African-hosted Olympic event opened on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the Youth Olympic Games commenced in Dakar, Senegal. 69 French athletes joined the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium before beginning competition across several disciplines.
International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry addressed the 50,000 spectators during the ceremony. “I’m proud to be an African woman, I’m proud to be an Zimbabwean woman,” Coventry said. Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially opened the games at 20:55 French time.
French Beach Rowers Advance to Round of 16 at Saly Beach
The mixed double sculls pair of Elisa Guilloton and Raphaël de Boussac posted the sixth-fastest time in the opening round, securing direct qualification for the round of 16.
“It’s very tight between 1st and 8th place, there’s only a 5-second gap,” de Boussac said. De Boussac also competed in the men’s single sculls, recording the 22nd time, and will race in a secondary qualification round on Sunday, November 1.
Table Tennis Pair Dominates Romanian Opponents in Mixed Doubles
At the Dakar Exhibition Center, Nina Guo Zheng and Noah Vittel defeated their Romanian opponents 3-0 in twenty-two minutes during the mixed doubles round of 16. The French pair, seeded second, advanced to face a Hong Kong duo in the quarterfinals on Sunday at 20:00 French time.
“We had good feelings, it’s encouraging for the rest,” Guo Zheng said. Vittel noted the team’s objective to contend for medals in the tournament.
Baseball5 Squad Rebounds Against Refugee Team After Kenya Defeat
The French baseball5 team defeated the Syrian team representing refugees 2-0 on Saturday, recovering from an opening 2-1 loss against Kenya. The victory places France second in Group B ahead of a match against Mexico on Sunday, November 1, at 13:00 French time.
“We are all united, that’s the biggest advantage of our team,” said flagbearer Elsa Lepinay.
Beach Volleyball Duo Falls to Argentina in Opening Match
Mathilde Berthaudeau and Malo Mir lost a match to Argentina’s Angeles Frascaroli and Isabella Curado in the longest match of the day at 55 minutes. The French pair will face Mozambique next in Group E.
“We were very stressed in the first set, but we managed to let go as it went on,” Mir said.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
Who officially opened the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games?
Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared the games open during the October 31 opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.
Which French athletes carry the flag for the delegation?
Elsa Lepinay and Raphaël de Boussac serve as flagbearers for the 69 French athletes competing in Dakar.
What new sports begin competition on Sunday, November 1?
Four additional disciplines start their schedules on Sunday: judo, badminton, rugby sevens, and wushu taolu.