Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S just days before the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) come to life in Senegal.
The excitement is building as the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on the African continent draws closer.
The Games will be officially opened on October 31, and will run until November 13.
Zimbabwe will be fielding a 12-member team across seven sport codes and had their send-off ceremony recently in Harare, which was also attended by Olympians Makanakaishe Charamba and Paige van der Westhuizen.
Both Charamba and Van der Westhuizen, represented Zimbabwe at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and were the flag bearers.
They shared some words of encouragement and inspiration with the young athletes that will carry the nation’s hope at the YOG.
Addressing the young athletes, Charamba said; “Two years ago in Paris, I walked into the opening ceremony carrying our flag.
“I have run a lot of races since then, but I still remember how heavy that flag felt. Not because of the pole. Because of everything it stood for. Every person back home who believed in me before I had done anything to earn it.
“In a few days, you will carry some of that weight. I want you to know it isn’t a burden. It’s a gift.”
The sprint star urged the young athletes to carry themselves with confidence, knowing they have earned their place at the Games, and will be part of history.
“You are going to Dakar for the first Olympic Games ever held on African soil. Years from now, people will still talk about Dakar 2026, and you will be able to say: I was there. I competed for Zimbabwe.
“So, here is what I would ask you to take with you.
“You belong there. Nobody handed you this. You earned it in early mornings and in sessions nobody saw. When you walk into that village and see athletes from all over the world, don’t shrink. Stand tall.
“Compete for the moment, not just the result. Medals matter. But the athletes who last are the ones who learn something every time they step on the line,” said Charamba.
Zimbabwe will compete in athletics, cycling, equestrian, judo, rowing, swimming and triathlon.
Swimmer Van der Westhuizen shared her experiences with the team, and encouraged the upcoming athletes to go into the competition with an open mind.
“Of course, you are going there to compete. You want to perform well, achieve personal bests, and hopefully come home with some great results. And I really hope you do.
“But one thing I have learnt throughout my swimming career is that you can work incredibly hard, do absolutely everything right, and things still might not go according to plan on competition day.
“That’s sport. And sometimes those are the experiences that teach us the most.
“So, my advice would be not to let the pressure of the occasion take away from the experience itself.
“Trust your training. Trust your coaches. Trust the work you have put in over the months and years to get yourself here,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Van der Westhuizen added; “When you step up to compete, remind yourself that you have earned your place and that you belong there just as much as every other athlete.
“And enjoy being part of something much bigger than your individual event. Because once you have stood on an Olympic stage, surrounded by some of the best young athletes in the world, you start to realise that the dreams you have been working towards aren’t quite as far away as they once seemed.”
The team is travelling in batches depending on the competition schedule.
