The Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) has named two athletes to represent the Commonwealth of Dominica at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, with the delegation set to compete in both athletics and swimming.
The Games are scheduled for 31 October to 13 November 2026. The selection marks a significant milestone for Dominican sport, with the country set to compete in swimming at the Youth Olympic level.
The two athletes named are Joseph, who will compete in athletics, and Elshekh, who will compete in swimming. The DOC confirmed the delegation as the island prepares for its participation in the youth edition of the Olympic Games, which brings together young athletes from across the global Olympic movement.
The announcement places Dominica among the nations preparing for Dakar 2026, the first Olympic event of any kind to be staged in Africa. For a small island nation, the naming of a two-athlete delegation reflects the continuing work of the DOC in identifying and preparing young talent for international competition.
Athletics has long been a pathway for Dominican athletes on the regional and international stage, and the selection of Joseph adds to that tradition. The swimming entry is notable in its own right, signalling the country's intention to build a presence in the pool at youth level.
The Youth Olympic Games are contested by athletes in the youth age bracket and are organised under the International Olympic Committee, with national Olympic committees responsible for entering their delegations. Dominica's participation in Dakar will follow the established pattern of small national teams competing across a focused set of sports.
Details of the athletes' preparation, travel arrangements and the specific events in which they will compete are expected to be confirmed by the Dominica Olympic Committee as the Games approach. The committee has not indicated any further additions to the delegation at this stage.
The Dakar Games will be held across venues in Senegal, with the event drawing young competitors from national Olympic committees throughout the world. For Dominica, the focus will be on giving both athletes the best possible platform to compete and gain experience at a major multi-sport Games.
The selection of Joseph and Elshekh gives Dominican supporters at home and across the diaspora two names to follow when competition begins in Senegal at the end of October.
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