[JOJ Dakar 2026] Ces jeunes talents mondiaux déjà sous les projecteurs
Several young athletes, already noticed on the national, continental and international scenes, are preparing to live a major Olympic experience at the Dakar-2026 Youth Olympic Games. Between promising performances, international titles and podium ambitions, these talents embody the future of sport.
From athletics to table tennis, and including skateboarding, here are some young athletes whose journeys deserve special attention.
David Sekento, athletics – 1500m: the Kenyan middle-distance runner already a world medalist

At just 16 years old, Kenyan David Sekento already possesses remarkable international experience. Silver medalist in the 1500m at the last U20 World Athletics Championships, the young middle-distance runner has demonstrated that he can compete with the best in his age group.
This performance confirms the potential of a runner who embodies the Kenyan tradition of middle-distance running. In Dakar, Sekento will have the opportunity to take another step in his young career and showcase his qualities on the track. His progress will be particularly interesting to follow in an event where pacing, tactics, and final sprint speed are crucial.
Read also: "[YOG 2026] The 5 Senegalese rising stars ready to make a splash"
Tyra Fenton, athletics – 100m: a Caribbean sprinting gem

At 15, Tyra Fenton is among the young sprinters to watch as the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games approach. The representative from Antigua and Barbuda distinguished herself at the CARIFTA 2026 Games, held in Grenada, by winning three medals in the U17 category.
She won gold in the 100m and 200m, before adding a bronze medal in the 400m to her haul. This performance demonstrates her versatility and sprinting abilities.
With these results, Fenton confirms that she has a strong case for establishing herself among the young talents of international sprinting. In Dakar, she will be expected on the starting line, with the ambition of converting her promising performances into another victory.
Ryuusei Kawakami, table tennis: the Japanese table tennis prodigy

Japan can count on the particularly promising talent of Ryuusei Kawakami. Born on October 5, 2009 in Niigata Prefecture, the table tennis player has already forged a reputation on the international stage thanks to his performances in junior competitions.
On November 25, 2025, at the World Junior Table Tennis Championships, he contributed to Japan's victory in the U19 team event by winning all three of his singles matches. He also won a bronze medal in U19 mixed doubles with Aoki Sakichi, and a silver medal in U19 men's doubles with Yoshiyama Kazuki.
But it was in the men's singles that the young Japanese player truly made his mark. On November 30, 2025, he won the final against Yoshiyama Kazuki with a score of 4 sets to 2. At 16 years and one month old, he thus became the youngest junior world champion in the history of this event.
In Dakar, Kawakami will have another opportunity to confirm his status as a young benchmark in world table tennis.
Nina Guo Zheng, table tennis: French ambition at the table
France will also be able to count on Nina Guo Zheng, one of its most promising young representatives in table tennis. At just 16 years old, the table tennis player is heading to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with an already impressive track record and clearly stated ambition.
A three-time European U19 champion in 2026, she has delivered numerous encouraging performances and confirmed her progress against the best players of her generation.
For her first participation in the Youth Olympic Games, Nina Guo Zheng will aim to give France its first medal in table tennis in this competition.
Lucie Schoonheere, Street Skateboarding: the young French champion

At 16, Lucie Schoonheere already has an impressive track record in the world of skateboarding. Born on January 29, 2010 in Paris, the Frenchwoman has specialized in street skateboarding, a discipline that combines technical skill, creativity and mastery of urban tricks.
She discovered competition at a very young age and participated in her first national and international events from the age of 12. In 2022, she won the French Under 16 Championship, before winning the French Street Skateboard Championship in all categories in 2023.
Her rapid progress opens the doors to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. At only 14 years old, she becomes the youngest member of the French delegation and finishes in 11th place in the competition.
Far from stopping at this first Olympic experience, Lucie Schoonheere continued her momentum by winning the French senior street skateboarding championship titles in 2025 and 2026. In Dakar, she will be able to draw on her Olympic experience to continue her rise.
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