The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Emirati show jumping rider Omar Al Marzooqi will serve as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, set to be hosted in Senegal.
Scheduled for 31 October to 13 November 2026, the Dakar Youth Olympic Games will mark a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil, showcasing young talent from across the globe.
Al Marzooqi etched his name in history by winning a silver medal in individual show jumping at the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. He became the first Emirati to achieve this feat, competing alongside nearly 4,000 athletes from 206 nations.
The IOC's roster of Athlete Role Models comprises 36 athletes from 25 different sports, both competitive and engagement-focused. This diverse group includes Olympic champions and seasoned Olympians who are committed to mentoring and encouraging young hopefuls during the Dakar 2026 event.
These distinguished athletes will not only offer sporting and psychological support but will also engage in workshops and one-on-one sessions, imparting Olympic values and wisdom to inspire the next generation of competitors.
Notable names on the list include French judo star Clarisse Agbegnenou, Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour, Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal, and Egyptian table tennis player Dina Meshref.
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