Dakar 2026 gold medallist Mike Smits
poses with grooms and officials at the Diamniado Equestrian Centre. © FEI / Kirsty 

06.11.2026

If you were watching the Individual Equestrian Final at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, I hope you had a strong heart!

What a jump-off! Switzerland’s Mike Smits took gold, the USA’s Liza Tittle silver, and Colombia’s Alejandro Gutiérrez Alcocer bronze.

There was so much happiness around the venue, with every achievement greeted by loud cheers, celebrations and dancing. It was an absolute privilege to experience this joy and enthusiasm first hand.

It was also a pleasure to welcome IOC members, including former IOC President Thomas Bach, to the venue to witness the competition and share in the excitement of the day. Having representatives of the Olympic Movement there to support the athletes made the occasion even more special.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos and former IOC President Thomas Bach. © FEI / Kirsty Pasto

Incredible days of sport and culture

And just like that, we've come to the end of the Dakar Digest series.

These have been incredible days of sport and culture, and everything I hoped a Youth Olympic Games experience would be.

The athletes have competed to a standard that has impressed not only the equestrian community, but also many of the people who came to watch or work at the venue.

One IOC videographer, a keen horseman himself, was particularly impressed by the standard of Jumping and the skill these young riders were demonstrating.

“We're asking them to jump on a horse they've never met and compete at a level close to what the senior athletes are doing. How many experienced riders could do that?” he marvelled.

It was a reminder that, while this is a Youth Olympic Games, the talent on display is very real.

Empathy and friendship

I leave Dakar feeling all the more hopeful about the future of our sport.

I've been genuinely blown away by the maturity of these young athletes, and have loved hearing them share their thoughts and ideas with such confidence and insight.

Whether in the mixed zone or speaking in a language that isn't their own, they've consistently offered thoughtful answers and demonstrated an understanding well beyond their years.

Their empathy for their horses is mirrored in the friendships they’ve built, with WhatsApp groups already helping athletes stay connected and set to keep them in touch long after the YOG ends.

I suspect this won't be the last we hear of some of these names.

Many of the athletes spoke very highly of the grooms who looked after their horses throughout the competition. My colleagues were particularly impressed by the patience, dedication and level of care shown by the grooms, who clearly played an important role in ensuring the horses were happy, comfortable and ready to perform.

The Dakar 2026 grooms gather at the end of the competition. © FEI / Kirsty Pasto

If you asked me what I'll miss most, one answer would be this greeting: Ça va la forme?

As a non-native French speaker, it took me a little while to realise that it was a variation of the familiar “ça va?” I am used to hearing.

I'll also miss the spontaneous fist bumps, the high-fives and the good humour of the Senegalese people. Everyone seemed happy to stop for a photograph, whether it was a quick selfie or a spontaneous group gathering.

In fact, I think this was the first time I've ever been asked: “Are you happy to be in Senegal? Did you sleep well?” It says something rather lovely about the pride people have in their home and their desire to make visitors feel welcome. Teranga at its very best.

Colours, energy and spirit

From the Opening Ceremony to the Olympic Village, Senegal's colours, energy and spirit have been unmistakable. They have found their way into every aspect of the Games, from the transport and food to the atmosphere at the venues. Dakar 2026 has not tried to be anything other than itself. It has remained authentic and true to its local roots, giving Dakar 2026 a character and identity all of its own.

I don’t know anyone who leaves these Games feeling indifferent. People will have their own views on the experience, but it has certainly given us plenty to talk about.

There have been challenges along the way, of course. But what major sporting event doesn’t have them? No Games are perfect, and Dakar 2026 has been no exception.

If you've been following the previous editions of the Dakar Digest, I hope you've enjoyed discovering some of the stories of these remarkable young athletes and the horses they've competed alongside over the past ten days as much as I've enjoyed sharing them.

The athletes gave us their very best.

Dakar and the Senegalese people gave us theirs, too.

And I hope they feel that we gave them ours in return.

Dakar, you've been quite something. Thank you for the memories, the smiles, the sport and the warmth.

And with that, it's time for me to sign off from Dakar.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the next event.

Ba beneen yoon, Sénégal. Until we meet again.