Oborududu, Meshref named IOC athlete role models for 2026 Youth Olympics
Nigeria’s wrestling legend Blessing Oborududu and Egypt’s table tennis star Dina Meshref have been selected by the International Olympic Committee as Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic
Nigeria’s wrestling legend Blessing Oborududu and Egypt’s table tennis star Dina Meshref have been selected by the International Olympic Committee as Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The appointment of these two continental icons marks a significant milestone as Africa prepares to host its first-ever Olympic event from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
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Oborududu, an Olympic silver medalist and a dominant force in African wrestling, joins Meshref, the continent’s most decorated table tennis player, in a distinguished group of global stars. This cohort includes France’s judo champion Clarisse Agbegnenou, Brazil’s skateboarding sensation Rayssa Leal, and China’s badminton gold medalist Shiwei Zheng. The role models were chosen from across the 25 competition and 10 engagement sports featured on the Dakar 2026 programme.
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The Athlete Role Model initiative, a cornerstone of the Youth Olympics since its 2010 debut in Singapore, is designed to connect experienced Olympians with the next generation of talent. In Dakar, Oborududu and Meshref will provide direct mentorship to approximately 2,700 athletes under the age of 17. Their responsibilities include attending training sessions, supporting athletes during competition, and leading specialized workshops focused on career development, injury management, mental strength, and life skills beyond professional sports.
IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi noted that the influence of these veteran figures is essential to the Games' mission, as young athletes naturally look to Olympians for guidance. For Oborududu, the selection reinforces her legacy as a leader in African sport, while for Meshref, the role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a historic event on home soil. The Dakar 2026 Games will be held across three host zones—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly—serving as a platform for mentorship and the continued growth of the Olympic movement within Africa.
