Switzerland returned to the youth Olympic show jumping podium for the first time in sixteen years when sixteen-year-old Mike Smits won the individual gold medal on the fifteen-year-old Selle Français Barentin de Rampan at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Following two preliminary qualifying sessions that served primarily as warm-ups to let the twenty-four competing pairs familiarize themselves with the competition arena, all twenty-four combinations advanced directly to the final round. On the initial 1.25m course, exactly twelve pairs delivered clear rounds without jumping or time penalties, setting the stage for a crowded jump-off.
Mike Smits Claims Gold in Decisive Jump-Off
The decisive jump-off proved far more selective than the opening round, with only three riders managing to keep all the rails up and cross the timers without fault. Mike Smits claimed the gold medal by crossing the finish line in 37.81 seconds. United States rider Liza Tittle secured the silver medal aboard the Selle Français mare Senji de Reaute with a clean round in 38.51 seconds. Colombia’s Alejandro Gutiérrez Alcocer rounded out the podium with the bronze medal, posting a time of 38.72 seconds riding Villeroy van het Harteveld Z.
Switzerland's Mike Smits 🇨🇭 becomes Youth Olympic champion after a thrilling jump-off in the individual jumping final at #Dakar2026! 🐎#Olympics #YouthOlympics #Equestrian pic.twitter.com/jjueDcnRek
Guatemala’s Cristian Tejada Saravia recorded the fastest time in the jump-off at 36.57 seconds, but a four-point jumping penalty dropped him to fourth place overall. Smits distinguished himself throughout the tournament as the only rider to post four clear rounds across the competition.
Swiss Rider Secures Historic Family Victory in Dakar
Representing a prominent family in Swiss show jumping, Smits hails from Chevenez in the canton of Jura. His parents, Edwin Smits and Dehlia Oeuvray-Smits, have both represented Switzerland in international Nations Cup competitions. His mother traveled with him to Dakar to serve as his personal trainer during the Games. This victory marks Switzerland’s first return to the equestrian podium at the Youth Olympic Games since the 2010 edition in Singapore.
The Youth Olympic Games Jumping Individual medallists! 🌟 🥇 GOLD: Mike Smits riding Barentin De Rampan 🇨🇭 🥈 SILVER: Liza Tittle riding Senji De Reaute 🇺🇸 🥉 BRONZE: Alejandro Gutierrez riding Villeroy Van Het Harteveld Z 🇨🇴 Congratulations to our three medallists and their… pic.twitter.com/pxKypGPlvG
