The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has selected UAE show jumping rider Omar Al Marzooqi as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Senegal.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will become the first Olympic sports event to take place on African soil. The event is scheduled to be held from 31 October to 13 November 2026 and will feature young athletes from around the world.

Al Marzooqi made history in 2018 when he became the first Emirati athlete to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games. He secured a silver medal in individual show jumping during the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games held in Buenos Aires, with participation from nearly 4,000 athletes representing 206 countries.

The IOC’s new list of Athlete Role Models includes 36 athletes from 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports. The group features Olympic champions, medal winners and Olympians who will guide and support young athletes during Dakar 2026.

As part of their role, the selected athletes will provide sporting and mental support, take part in workshops and interactive sessions, and share Olympic values and experiences with the next generation of athletes.

The list also includes several well-known international athletes, including French judo champion Clarisse Agbegnenou, Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour, Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal, and Egyptian table tennis player Dina Meshref.