The winning medal design for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will feature a lion symbolizing strength, courage, and host nation Senegal, the International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday.
Titled The Roar of Youth, the design was created by 26-year-old Spanish artist Pilar Barbadillo Vicario and selected from submissions spanning 103 countries. The image will appear on the obverse of the medals awarded to the Games’ 2,700 athletes.
The lion’s mane forms two symmetrical faces, representing fairness and respect, with olive crowns referencing the Olympic tradition. The artwork, developed through research into Senegalese symbolism, was chosen through an international competition launched in September.
Barbadillo Vicario, currently pursuing a master’s degree in UX/UI design, said the piece reflects both personal achievement and universal Olympic values.
“It represents everything you’ve achieved over time – not only the moment you win it, but all the work behind it and what can motivate you in the future,” she said.
The jury included Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, Olympic medal designers, and IOC Young Leaders.
The runner-up was Agisilaos Kyriazis of Greece for The Sun of Values, followed by India’s Elizuba Joe Abraham for The Celebration of Triumph.
The reverse side of the medal will be developed separately by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee through a national design competition incorporating local cultural elements and the Youth Olympic emblem.
The Youth Olympic Games will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2026, across three sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Dakar 2026 marks the first Olympic event to take place on the African continent.
On Tuesday, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said he chaired a presidential council to review progress, improve coordination and accelerate preparations for the Games.
“With 10 months to go, I’ve set clear priorities and deadlines to ensure the event meets the confidence placed in Senegal,” he said in a post on social media.
