Youth Olympics: Nwankwo, Bright Win Historic Gold In Men’s, Women’s 100m

Nigeria made an impressive start to the athletics competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Sunday, winning gold in both the men’s and women’s 100m finals at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop.

Rosemary Nwankwo opened the country’s gold-medal account in the women’s 100m, crossing the finish line in 11.16 seconds to claim victory and set a new personal best.

She finished ahead of Arwa Ali of the United Arab Emirates, who clocked 11.41 seconds, also a personal best, while Dana Salem of Qatar settled for bronze in 11.48 seconds.

The win made Nwankwo the third Nigerian woman to take Youth Olympic 100m gold, following Josephine Omaka at the inaugural Singapore 2010 Games and Rosemary Chukwuma at Buenos Aires 2018.

Nigeria’s celebrations continued minutes later as Gift Bright secured another gold medal in the men’s 100m, finishing in a personal-best time of 10.28 seconds.

China’s Zhang Hangyu came second in 10.57 seconds, while Poland’s Szymon Dolega claimed bronze in 10.61 seconds.

Speaking after her triumph, Nwankwo said she remained focused on her race despite the significance of the occasion.

“There was no pressure on me. I run my race. I focused on me, and I did it,” she said. “I’ve prayed for this moment, and I did it.”

For Bright, the victory was particularly significant after a thigh injury had troubled him in the two weeks leading up to the competition.

He admitted that the injury had affected his confidence but said he was relieved to compete without pain in the final.

“I want to tell you guys that at the next (Youth) Olympics, expect Nigeria to win it again. We are good sprinters,” he said. We know how to condition ourselves to stay where we are. It’s a very big thing for us.”