Canadian young athletes continued their impressive performance at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, winning three more medals, including the country’s first gold medal of the competition. Sixteen-year-old fencer Simon Sean secured the historic victory in the men’s épée event, taking Canada’s overall medal tally to five.
The competition is being held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, where Canadian fencer Simon Sean defeated Serbia’s Vukan Radinovic 15-9 in the men’s épée final to claim the gold medal.
Sean, who hails from West Vancouver, British Columbia, demonstrated exceptional skill, composure and confidence throughout the decisive contest. His victory marked Canada’s first gold medal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Canadian Boxers Also Secure Two Bronze Medals
Canada also enjoyed success in boxing, with two young athletes earning bronze medals in their respective categories.
Seventeen-year-old Mehreen Khak claimed bronze in the women’s 51-kilogram competition, while 17-year-old Lisandro Garcia Rebello secured third place in the men’s 55-kilogram category.
Both athletes delivered impressive performances against international competition, contributing two additional medals to Canada’s growing tally.
Canada’s Overall Medal Count Reaches Five
Following the achievements of Simon Sean, Mehreen Khak and Lisandro Garcia Rebello, Canada’s medal count at the Youth Olympic Games has increased to five.
Earlier in the competition, 17-year-old Anis Mati won a silver medal in judo, while 14-year-old Evie Pritchard secured bronze in skateboarding.
With one gold, one silver and three bronze medals, Canada has demonstrated a strong presence across several sporting disciplines at the international youth event.
First-Ever Youth Olympic Games Hosted in Africa
One of the most significant aspects of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games is that the event is being hosted on the African continent for the first time.
Senegal’s capital, Dakar, is welcoming young athletes from around the world, marking an important milestone in the history of the international sporting competition.
Canada has sent a delegation of 28 athletes to the Games, with competitors representing the country across various sporting disciplines.
Dakar Youth Olympic Games to Conclude on November 13
The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to conclude on November 13. Competitions in several sports are continuing during the final stages of the event, with Canada’s delegation hoping to secure additional medals before the closing ceremony.
The impressive achievements of Canadian young athletes are also being viewed as an encouraging sign for the country’s future in international sports, particularly as these emerging talents gain valuable experience on the global stage.
