Kipchoge Applauds Kenya’s Rising Stars After Strong Dakar 2026 Youth Games Showing

Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has praised the country’s young athletes for showcasing their talent at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, saying their performances demonstrate Kenya’s potential to remain competitive across different sporting disciplines.

According to a report published by Citizen Digital on November 12, 2026, Kipchoge expressed pride in Team Kenya’s achievements after witnessing athletes compete in various events at the international competition in Senegal.

“The games have been wonderful, it has been a great experience, Kenya has been performing well and it is evident that Kenya and Africa has the right talent to win many races or competitions in future. I am really proud to see the success of Kenyan athletes,” Kipchoge said.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion attended the Games as a Global Ambassador, a role through which he has been engaging with and mentoring young athletes from different countries.

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kipchoge was appointed to the position to share his experience and inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

Kenya finished the competition with six medals, comprising four gold and two silver, according to Citizen Digital.

The women’s rugby sevens team secured gold after defeating Australia 17-12 in the final. In athletics, Faith Rono won the women’s 3,000 metres, Enock Tuitoek claimed the men’s 3,000 metres title, while Abigael Kosgei triumphed in the women’s 2,000 metres steeplechase.

Wesley Kiplagat added silver in the men’s 2,000 metres steeplechase, while Abigael Chepkirui finished second in the women’s 1,500 metres.

Kipchoge also praised Senegal for hosting the competition, describing the event as evidence that African countries have the capacity to organise major international sporting championships.

He further suggested that Kenya has the infrastructure and sporting facilities required to host similar competitions in the future.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which began on October 31, brought together approximately 2,700 athletes across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

The competition marks the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on African soil, with the closing ceremony scheduled for November 13.sourceshttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CAUiFoniX/

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