Australia names first eight athletes for Dakar 2026 YOG, Senegal; 41 athletes across 16 sports

Dakar 2026: Australia name first eight athletes for Youth Olympic Games

Skateboarder Ella Ledingham, triathlete Addison Houslip and fencer Rianna Leung are among the first wave of competitors selected by Team Australia for the Senegal spectacle.

Skateboarder Ella Ledingham , triathlete Addison Houslip and fencer Rianna Leung are among the first eight athletes selected by Australia for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Archers Ellen Martini and Brock Penna , as well as boxers Belle Spicer , Maia Laird and Marley Dodd , have also been named in the squad for Senegal.

In total, Australia will send a team of 41 athletes across 16 sports , with the rest of their Dakar 2026 party to be announced ahead of the African extravaganza, which takes place from 31 October to 13 November.

“Pulling on the green and gold to compete at the Youth Olympics is a huge honour,” said Australia’s chef de mission Ken Wallace , the three-time canoe sprint Olympic medallist.

“It’s a moment these young Australians will carry with them for the rest of their lives,

“For a lot of them, this will be their first taste of what it means to represent Australia at a major multi-sport Games, and I hope it lights a fire in them.

“Whether their pathway leads to LA28 or on to a home Games in Brisbane 2032 , Dakar has the opportunity to be a stepping stone.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them compete, get out there, represent Australia and make the most of the opportunity.”

History is waiting in Dakar 🏅. Tickets for Dakar 2026 are now available. Take your place and experience the Youth Olympic Games live. Secure your seat here 🎫

Watch the official video here

Australia team for Dakar 2026

Belle Spicer Maia Laird Marley Dodd

Sign-up for free and you will be able to receive Olympic news tailored to your interests.

TheNEWS2 via ZUMA Press Wire

Evolution of the approach to the sports programme of the Youth Olympic Games – Dakar 2026 first to benefit from it

Dakar 2026 YOG: competition programme and schedule

Six athletes to represent the Refugee Olympic Team at Dakar 2026