Carl Lewis at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: "Africa is becoming the focal point" of world sport

Invited to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Carl Lewis delivered a passionate plea for Africa to host major international sporting events. The nine-time Olympic champion argued that the continent is no longer just a talent pool, but a key player in world sport.

Present at the opening ceremony, where he was seated alongside French actor Omar Sy, the American athletics legend emphasized the symbolic significance of these Youth Olympic Games. "The most important thing is that young people see themselves, that they see images and versions of themselves on television during these events," he said.

For Carl Lewis, identification is a key driving force. He emphasizes the importance of having role models, people they can admire, who are like them. "That's what motivates young people to say, 'I can do that too!'"

A message which, according to him, transcends the Senegalese context: "That's why this event is so important for the entire continent, for all the countries watching it."

Africa as a "rising power"

The record holder placed these Youth Olympic Games in a broader context. He recalled that the continent had recently distinguished itself at the last World Cup held in the United States, part of which he attended in Houston, as well as at the World Relays held earlier in Gaborone, Botswana.

“Today, Africa is becoming the center, the focal point, and it’s no longer simply about extracting athletes from it,” he stated. According to him, Africa is “a rising power in athletics and in all sports.”

Show what Africa is capable of

Carl Lewis believes it is now necessary for the continent to host more major international competitions to showcase its capabilities. "Africa is not only a global sporting powerhouse, but also an economic one, with a promising future. It is therefore very important to demonstrate how things can be done," he stated, calling for inspiration to be given to young Africans who watch these events and who, one day, will want to participate .

A legend of world athletics

Born in the United States, Carl Lewis is one of the greatest athletes in history. His career, spanning from 1979 to 1996, earned him nine Olympic gold medals and eight world championship titles. An exceptional sprinter and long jumper, he equaled Jesse Owens' feat at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, winning four titles at the same event: the 100m, the 200m, the 4x100m relay, and the long jump.