Irish trio bound for Youth Olympic Games in Senegal

Ireland will send three rising talents to this year’s Youth Olympic Games, which take place from 31 October to 13 November in Dakar, Senegal.

It’s the first Olympic event to ever be held on the African continent, with 4,500 athletes aged 15 to 18 competing across more than 30 sports.

Ireland’s small team will enter the badminton, boxing and coastal rowing events.

Hannah Shochan (above) will compete in the badminton girls’ singles. The 15-year-old is the youngest member of the team and previously represented Ireland at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Skopje. Shochan trains with South Dublin Badminton Club and is a transition year student.

Kristian Jublani fights in the men’s 50kg boxing category. The 17‑year‑old Crumlin Boxing Club athlete arrives in Dakar following a standout performance at the European Under-19 Championships last week, where he won silver.

Kate Dunne’s speciality is the coastal rowing. Dunne, 17, races in the women’s solos in the beach sprints. It will be the first time an IOC event includes coastal rowing.

Beach sprints will also feature on the Olympic programme for the first time at LA 2028, positioning Dunne – a member of Wicklow Rowing Club – at the forefront of a growing discipline.

“We’re really looking forward to supporting this team as they take their next steps on the Olympic pathway,” said Team Ireland Chef de Mission Nancy Chillingworth.

“At the Team Day earlier this week, the athletes received world‑class insights from the Sport Ireland Institute, which is a key part of the Youth Olympic experience.

“It’s an opportunity to introduce them to high‑performance behaviours and a multi‑sport team culture in a way that’s engaging, age‑appropriate and, importantly, fun.

“Dakar will give them a chance to learn, grow and enjoy representing Ireland on a global stage, and we’re excited to be with them for that journey.”