YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES dAKAR 2026

 In 2026, Dakar, Senegal will host the first Olympic event ever in Africa – the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This global event gathers the world’s best young athletes (up to 17 years old) to celebrate sport and culture on the Olympic stage. We want to see Haiti’s flag flying high in the triathlon events in Dakar. This is a unique chance for young Haitian triathletes – or athletes from swimming, cycling, or running backgrounds – to shine for Haiti. The Youth Olympic Games can be a springboard to future Olympic glory, and we are calling on talented Haitian youth at home and in the diaspora to dare to dream big and join Team Haiti!

Athletes and Parents: Here’s what you need to know:

• Age Requirements: Youth Olympic triathletes must be 15–17 years old during the Games. That means you should be born in 2009 or 2010 to compete at Dakar 2026.
   
• Haitian Nationality: To represent Haiti, you must hold Haitian citizenship and a Haitian passport. If you have Haitian heritage but are not yet officially a citizen, now is the time to secure your nationality.
   
• Sport Readiness: You should have a strong background in triathlon or in swimming, cycling, or running, and be committed to rigorous training. Whether you are already a triathlete or ready to transition from a single sport, this program is for you!
   
• Good Standing & Fair Play: Athletes must respect Olympic rules, including anti-doping, and embody the values of honor, integrity, and respect.
   

Haiti can send one female and one male triathlete to Dakar 2026. Here’s how the journey works:

1. Apply and Connect: Complete the online application (see below). Share your athletic background and motivation. Parents, encourage your teens to apply.
    
2. Training & Coaching: Selected athletes will benefit from Triathlon Haiti’s coaching and partnerships, both locally and abroad. Programs will cover swim, bike, run, nutrition, and mental preparation.
    
3. Qualification Phase (2025): Athletes will enter junior and youth competitions to build experience. Haiti’s Olympic Committee will request quota places for triathlon, and athlete performances will strengthen our case.
    
4. Securing the Spot: In early 2026, the IOC and World Triathlon will allocate quotas. Only 32 girls and 32 boys worldwide will qualify – and Haiti is determined to be among them.
    
5. Team Haiti Selection (Mid-2026): Final selection will be based on performance, progress, and commitment. Only one athlete per gender will ultimately wear Haiti’s colors in Dakar.
    

Even if not selected, all squad members will gain valuable coaching, exposure, and preparation for future goals – including Los Angeles 2028.

The YOG is about more than medals. It is about growth, exchange, and pride:

• Compete on a World Stage: Live the Olympic experience – ceremonies, athlete village, global media – racing against the best in your age group.
   
• Grow as an Athlete: Benefit from cultural and educational programs while developing as an elite competitor.
   
• Inspire a Nation: Representing Haiti will inspire the next generation of athletes and show the world our resilience and strength.
   

The triathlon events themselves will be unforgettable: an individual sprint triathlon and a mixed-team relay where you may compete alongside athletes from other nations in your continent – a unique race format built on teamwork and friendship.

This is your chance to make history for Haiti.