The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially announced the first 15 aspiring sports journalists selected for the revamped Young Reporters Programme at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
The selection follows a highly competitive global search that drew 271 applications from 32 countries. The surge in interest comes in the wake of a significant structural overhaul of the initiative launched in September 2025. This latest cohort represents a diverse cross-section of the Olympic Movement, consisting of individuals aged 21 to 25 from across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Reflecting the historic nature of the first Olympic event to be held on African soil, the selection places a heavy emphasis on regional representation.
Six of the 15 participants are from Africa, including three journalists from the host nation, Senegal. The roster also includes representatives from territories slated to host upcoming Olympic and Youth Olympic Games, ensuring that the skills gained in Dakar will benefit future organising committees and domestic media landscapes.
During the Games, which run from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the Young Reporters will be stationed at the Main Press Centre. Under the mentorship of veteran Olympic media professionals, the participants will transition from classroom theory to high-pressure field reporting across the three host zones of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
The curriculum has been modernized to reflect current industry demands following an independent 2025 review by Dr. Jessie Wilkie of the University of Canberra.
Training modules will cover multimedia production, including specialised coaching in sports photography and video packaging, alongside digital strategy focusing on social media reporting and real-time engagement.
Traditional excellence remains a priority, with coursework in print journalism, mixed-zone interviewing, and press conference etiquette.
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The content produced by the cohort will be published across official Olympic media platforms, providing the reporters with a global portfolio before the closing ceremony concludes.
Since its inception at the Singapore 2010 YOG, the programme has served as a primary pipeline for the sports media industry. To date, 125 alumni from 68 countries have completed the training, with many securing permanent roles within international news agencies and National Olympic Committees.
Dakar 2026 will feature approximately 2,700 young athletes. For the 15 selected journalists, the event serves as a parallel competitive arena, offering a rigorous introduction to the complexities of international multi-sport reporting.
Selected Young Reporters for Dakar 2026
Oumou Koulsoum Balde (Senegal), Boubacar Diop (Senegal), Nathan Goddard-McCarthy (Barbados), Aissatou Ka (Senegal), Flavie Kazmierczak (France), Yue Liu (China), Simone Longo (Italy), Nkele Martin (Canada), Mahbubat Salahudeen (Nigeria), Hawa Sow Tall (Mauritania), Aina Vall (Spain), Joh Vonne Roberts (USA), Abigael Wafula (Kenya), Jack Young (Australia), and Evelyn Younger (Australia).
