Nigeria has made history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after winning both the men’s and women’s 100 metres titles, becoming the first country to achieve the remarkable feat at a single edition of the competition.
Fifteen-year-old Gift Bright led the historic achievement by claiming gold in the men’s 100 metres with an impressive time of 10.28 seconds, setting a new Games record in the process.
Seventeen-year-old Rosemary Nwankwo completed the double with another outstanding performance in the women’s event, crossing the finish line in 11.16 seconds to secure Nigeria’s second gold medal.
The victories represent a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, particularly given the ages of the two champions and the level of competition at the international youth event.
By winning both titles, Bright and Nwankwo have not only delivered individual successes but also placed Nigeria in the record books as the first nation to sweep the men’s and women’s 100 metres gold medals at the same Youth Olympic Games.
The achievement further highlights Nigeria’s potential in sprinting and provides an encouraging indication of the talent emerging from the country’s grassroots athletics system.
The two gold medals have also opened Nigeria’s medal account at the competition, giving the country’s delegation an early boost as it continues its campaign in Senegal.
With the Games scheduled to run until November 13, attention will now turn to Nigeria’s remaining athletes and their efforts to build on the historic opening success and add more medals to the country’s tally.
