France finished seventh in the medal standings at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar after capturing 13 medals across two weeks of competition.
The French delegation in Senegal included 69 athletes, split between 40 girls and 29 boys, competing from October 31 to November 13.
«Ces Jeux resteront une expérience humaine et sportive fondatrice pour ces 69 athlètes,» said Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, president of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).
France Secured Four Gold Medals Including Rugby Sevens
The French team secured four gold medals during the fortnight, highlighted by a victory in rugby sevens.
The French boys claimed the top step of the podium after defeating South Africa 26–19 in a tight final.
Maël Lamouret in archery alongside Julie Bourgis and Axel Faye in the pole vault captured the delegation’s other three gold medals.
Silver and Bronze Haul
Beyond the four champions, French competitors collected five silver medals and four bronze medals.
Mady Sow secured a silver medal in badminton during the competition.
China led the overall medal table with 30 titles, followed by Japan with 26 and Russia with 14.
Looking to Los Angeles 2028
CNOSF president Oudéa-Castéra emphasized the broader impact of the event beyond the medal count in an official statement.
«Notre équipe de France a montré son potentiel à Dakar, mais c’est bien au-delà des podiums que ces JOJ nous rendent confiants,» Oudéa-Castéra stated, highlighting the engagement and drive of the young competitors.
The next Olympic cycle points toward the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, where several members of this youth delegation may feature for France.
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