Dakar: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the appointment of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, featuring several Olympic champions and medallists. This marks a significant step in preparations for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent. According to African Press Organization, the Athlete Role Models will provide mentoring and workshop training to young athletes on-site during Dakar 2026. In collaboration with the International Federations, experienced Olympians from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme have been selected. The list includes notable names such as Clarisse Agbegnenou from France in judo, Stéphane Badji from Senegal in football, and Christopher Bak from the USA in rowing, among others. The Athlete Role Models are tasked with engaging with young athletes, offering guidance and advice around competition, and participating in educational workshops. Topics covered in these work shops include career management, injury prevention, and mental preparation, among others. Additionally, the Athlete Role Models will attend training sessions, engage with the local community, and support athletes at victory ceremonies. Several athletes expressed their enthusiasm for their roles. Shiwei Zheng, a Chinese Olympic champion in badminton, views this opportunity as a chance to extend his life's work beyond just winning medals. Asunción Batista from Spain, recognized as the best player in the world in beach handball in 2022, sees this as an opportunity for growth and purpose. Meanwhile, Combe Seck from Senegal, who will serve as an Athlete Role Model in her own city, expressed pride and a desire to contribute meaningfully. As part of the initiative, IOC Athletes Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi highlighted the positive impact Athlete Role Models have had on young athletes in past editions of the Youth Olympic Games. Mehrabi emphasized the importance of these role models in shaping the experience o f young athletes competing in Senegal and supporting the mission of Dakar 2026. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. This announcement underscores the IOC's commitment to delivering a meaningful athlete experience while supporting the legacy of Dakar 2026 in Senegal and across Africa.