Marie Sarr Wins Taekwondo Gold for Senegal

Senegalese taekwondo athlete Marie Sarr claimed the under-55 kg gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday, November 10, defeating Tunisia’s Yasmine Haouani in the final at the Iba Mar Diop Sports Complex.

The 16-year-old fighter secured the victory over two rounds, establishing an 8-4 lead in the first before extending her advantage to 11-3 in the second. Sarr advanced to the gold-medal match after defeating American Karlee Vogel two rounds to none in the semifinals, following a quarterfinal win against Jordan’s Laean Alrawashdeh two rounds to one.

Senegal added a second combat sports medal to its tally on the same day when Aïda Touré captured bronze in the under-63 kg category. Touré fell in the semifinals to Iran’s Asal Goltapeh with round scores of 7-8 and 1-5, after defeating Peru’s Ximena Zapata Peña in the quarterfinals.

Host Nation Medal Count

The latest podium finishes build on earlier success for the host nation at the Games. Senegal previously secured three titles in beach wrestling through Élisabeth Diatta, Maguette Diop, and Ndèye Khady Anna Diatta, alongside a gold medal from the men’s 3×3 basketball team on November 9.

Hailing from Niakhar in the Fatick region, Sarr attends her second year of high school in her hometown. Her victory drew celebrations from family and neighbors on Tuesday, following a competitive season that included a silver medal at the German Open and a bronze at the China Open earlier in 2026.

Dakar 2026 Cultural Milestone

Marking a milestone for the continent, Dakar 2026 stands as the first Olympic event held in Africa. Olympics.com reported that the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games serve as a platform for cultural exchange and promote African cultures worldwide.

Organizers designed the Games to introduce visitors to Teranga, the Wolof word embodying Senegal’s spirit of warmth, hospitality, and openness. The event also features the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team composed of athletes based in Africa, reflecting the International Olympic Committee’s support for displaced persons through sport.