Chinese athletes claimed multiple gold medals at the ongoing 2026 Dakar Summer Youth Olympic Games, highlighted by a historic first in martial arts and a unique torchbearer representing cultural exchange. The Chinese delegation has achieved consistent breakthroughs in events including martial arts, swimming, rowing, and judo.
Historic Martial Arts Gold Opens New Olympic Chapter
The most significant achievement came when Chinese athlete Lin Yilei secured the first-ever gold medal in Olympic martial arts history. At the men’s changquan all-around final, Lin delivered a perfect performance, with his movements described as “smooth and stable” and his completion quality earning a perfect score.
This victory marked a milestone, as martial arts made its debut as an official event in the Olympic series for the first time.
Senegalese coaches who spent years mastering and teaching wushu have finally seen their dreams come true. The Chinese martial art is making its debut at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The spotlight is new. The work behind it is not. #YouthOlympics #wushu pic.twitter.com/NT3go6wBr7
“The dream of martial arts entering the Olympic event has been realized, and it’s the result of the efforts of generations of martial arts workers,” Lin’s coach, Zheng Jutian, said in a post-interview comment.
For Lin, the sport is more than just a competition. “Martial arts can be a bridge connecting young people from different countries and regions, allowing the world to see the wisdom of the East,” he said. “I hope to use the Youth Olympic Games platform to convey the harmonious spirit contained in martial arts to young people all over the world.”
China's Lin Yilei ascends himself as wushu's first Youth Olympic champion, taking gold here at Dakar in the boys' combined Changquan after finishing with a total score of 18.796. 🥇 🇨🇳 Lin Yilei 🥈 🇮🇩 Asael Christo Jacob Rondonuwu 🥉 🇮🇷 Arash Pahali#Dakar2026 #ComeAndPlay pic.twitter.com/bEgdVOQ0aW
Dakar Games: A Platform for African Connections
The Dakar Youth Olympics hold special significance, being the first time an event in the Olympic series has been held in Africa. This has created a unique space for encounters and dialogue between Chinese and African youth.
One such connection was made by Liu Chuan Dong, a 30-year-old from Sichuan province who now works in jewelry livestreaming in Guangdong. Approved by the Dakar Youth Olympics Organizing Committee, Liu became a torchbearer. Recalling his experience carrying the torch in Dakar days earlier, he was filled with emotion.
“Young people from different countries established connections while running side by side and communicating,” Liu said. “Regardless of skin color or nationality, young people can always find resonance in their shared passions.”
Wushu has made its official Youth Olympic debut at Dakar 2026, marking a milestone for Chinese martial arts as athletes showcase their skills on the Olympic stage for the first time. https://t.co/4kXPoXi5jN pic.twitter.com/pOpuYtcZqy
Liu believes that with hard work, ordinary things can be made extraordinary. His journey from a small livestreaming studio to the Dakar torch relay allowed him to share the craftsmanship and industry behind Chinese jewelry with foreign friends, conveying the beauty of Chinese culture.
Youth Olympics as a Stage for Understanding
In fact, the Youth Olympics serve not only as a stepping stone for young athletes to the senior Olympic Games but also as a platform for young people from various countries to showcase their talents and foster mutual understanding.
“It’s wonderful to see young people gather here. They get to know each other, exchange contact information, and spend time together,” said Mamadou Diagne Ndiaye, president of the Dakar Youth Olympics Organizing Committee. “In his view, this is not a battlefield of win or lose, but a stage of victory and life.”
During the Games, the Olympic Sports Interactive Experience Zone on Dakar’s western coastal avenue has attracted numerous young people. There, participants engage in interactive and experiential activities to try different sports and feel the charm of the Olympic Games.
As one commentary noted, the grand event may eventually end, but the encounters that span mountains and seas will be long remembered. “The torch relay carries not only the flame, but also the cross-border communication and resonance among young people,” Liu Chuan Dong said. He added that he will continue to devote himself to public welfare, “staying true to his original heart and stepping on solid ground.”
What’s Next for the Dakar Youth Olympics
The 2026 Dakar Summer Youth Olympic Games continue to provide a stage for athletic competition and cultural exchange.
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