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Team Namibia announced for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

• 6 Hours Ago

The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) has proudly announced the athletes and officials selected to represent Namibia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

As the first Olympic event ever to be hosted on African soil, Dakar 2026 marks a significant moment for both the continent and the next generation of Namibian athletes, who will compete alongside the world's best young sporting talent (31 October to 13 November).

Maike Betts, chef de mission for Team Namibia and a former Olympic rower under her maiden name Maike Diekman, said: “I am honoured to lead Team Namibia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic milestone as the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.

“As an Olympian, I understand the impact that opportunities like these can have on a young athlete's journey. Having also spent the past several years working in international sport management and administration, I am committed to ensuring our athletes are fully prepared, well supported, and able to perform at their best in Dakar.

“Beyond the competition, I hope this experience will inspire them, help shape their future sporting careers, and contribute to their growth as confident young leaders and ambassadors for Namibia.”

TEAM NAMIBIA – DAKAR 2026

Athletics – Men’s 200m: Elkana Shikongo Iileka.

Beach Volleyball (men): Matheus Nahenda and Nathanael Junior Ndemukulunga.

Boxing – Men’s 50 kg: Kalenga Leevi Abraham.

Cycling – Men’s road & individual time trial: Mike Baartman.

Cycling – Women’s road & individual time trial: Bianca Nell.

Swimming – Men’s 100m backstroke: Lorenzo Esterhuizen.

Swimming – Men’s 100m freestyle: Nathan Bock.

Swimming – Women’s 800m freestyle: Madison Bergh.

Swimming – Women’s 50m backstroke: Roselinda Matyayi.

Triathlon – Men’s Individual Sprint: James Langford.

Beach Wrestling – Men’s 60 kg: Lisias Shipopyeni.

COACHES and TEAM OFFICIALS

Athletics coach: Hafeni Ananias Elias

Beach volleyball coach: Aloisius Vayakohambo Ishitile

Boxing coach: Lungameni Lasarus Ipundaka

Cycling coach: Hans du Toit

Cycling mechanic: Ermin van Wyk

Swimming coach: Jean-Michael Leitner

Triathlon coach: Adele de la Rey

Beach Wrestling coach: Luis Forcelledo Paz

Chef de mission: Maike Betts

Physiotherapist: Kara Scheepers

Press Attaché & Administration: Vincentius Vernon Boois

As Team Namibia begins its final preparations, the NNOC congratulates all selected athletes and officials on their achievement and wishes them every success on the road to Senegal.