The official medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) were unveiled on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, featuring designs inspired by Senegalese cultural heritage.
They are specifically the lion and the baobab tree – according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC stated that the design of the 2026 YOG medals aligns with the theme “From History to the Future,” linking Senegal’s heritage with the aspirations of its youth.
On the obverse, the lion takes centre stage, symbolising “strength and courage” – two values associated with sports.
The big cat’s mane is formed by two faces inspired by Senegalese craftsmanship; their symmetrical arrangement reflects the principle of fairness in competition, according to the IOC.
Each face is topped by an olive branch, an Olympic symbol of victory, peace, and excellence.
The obverse design, titled “The Roar of Youth,” was created by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario following a call for proposals launched by the IOC.
The reverse of the medal depicts the baobab, an iconic tree of Senegal and the African continent, evoking strength, longevity, wisdom, and the passing down of knowledge.
Its roots and branches are drawn with curves and counter-curves, creating an impression of movement and upward reach. These lines also evoke cables, referencing new technologies and digital connectivity.
The IOC noted that the design for this side was created through a competition organised in partnership with Senegal’s National School of Arts. The medals thus combine references to nature, craftsmanship, and the Olympic spirit, while highlighting the link between the host country’s cultural roots and its outlook toward the future.
Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be the first Olympic sporting event held in Africa.
The event is set to bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes across 25 sports and 153 events.
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