Oborududu selected as athlete role model for 2026 Youth Olympic Games
The International Olympics Committee IOC has selected legendary Nigerian athlete Blessing Oborududu as one of its athlete role models for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. The IOC revealed Oburududu as one of 31 experienced Olympians selected from each of the 35 sporting events to be competed at the youth Olympics holding in Dakar, Senegal, for […]
The International Olympics Committee IOC has selected legendary Nigerian athlete Blessing Oborududu as one of its athlete role models for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games.
The IOC revealed Oburududu as one of 31 experienced Olympians selected from each of the 35 sporting events to be competed at the youth Olympics holding in Dakar, Senegal, for the first time on the continent.
Oburududu is a legendary Nigerian freestyle wrestler who was the first to win a medal for Nigeria in the sport, claiming silver medal in the women’s 68 kg freestyle event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
She first competed in the event in 2004 before retiring after 19 years of an accolade and medal-filled career in 2015.
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According to the IOC, the athlete role models have been a feature of its youth Olympics since the first edition in 2010 held in Singapore, and this edition has 14 role models selected from the African continent, with five from host nation Senegal.
They will engage the athletes and provide them support during the games, including in educational workshop sessions where the young athletes will learn more about career management, injury prevention and mental preparation, among others.
They will also attend training sessions, engage the local community, and be available to congratulate winners at victory ceremonies.
Speaking on the initiative, IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi said the role models have proved impactful in the past, and that the IOC is assured of its continued impact.
“Like many in our society, young athletes naturally look up to Olympians for guidance and inspiration. At every edition of the YOG, we have witnessed the incredible impact of Athlete Role Models in terms of athlete experience, and that’s why we are convinced that these outstanding role models will play a central role during Dakar 2026 and beyond.
“They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal. Their contribution will be invaluable in supporting the mission of Dakar 2026 and empowering the next generation to chase their dreams.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place from October 31 to November 13 later this year, and will together athletes aged up to 17 years in three zones that includes Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.