The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) on Friday announced a team of 12 athletes for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal from 31 October to 13 November.
The NNOC announced the news in a press release on Friday, adding that they will be accompanied by eight coaches and technical officials, and three team management and support tstaff officials.
“Team Namibia will compete in seven sport codes represented by a talented group of young athletes supported by experienced coaches, technical experts, and team officials. The team reflects Namibia’s commitment to developing the next generation of sporting talent and providing young athletes with opportunities to compete on the international stage,” the NNOC said in a press release.
The chef de mission, former Namibian Olympic rower Maike Betts said it was an honour to lead the team.
“I am honoured to lead Team Namibia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic milestone as the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. As an Olympian, I understand the impact that opportunities like these can have on a young athlete’s journey. Having also spent the past several years working in international sport management and administration, I am committed to ensuring our athletes are fully prepared, well supported, and able to perform at their best in Dakar. Beyond the competition, I hope this experience will inspire them, help shape their future sporting careers, and contribute to their growth as confident young leaders and ambassadors for Namibia.”
The team is as follows:
Athletics: Elkana Iileka
Beach volleyball: Matheus Nahenda, Nathanael Ndemukulunga
Boxing: Kalenga Abraham
Cycling: Mike Baartman, Bianca Nell
Swimming: Lorenzo Esterhuizen, Nathan Bock, Madison Bergh, Roselinda Matyayi.
Triathlon: James Langford
Beach wrestling: Shithigona Shipopyeni
Coaches and officials:
Athletics: Hafeni Elias
Beach volleyball: Aloisius Ishitile
Boxing: Lungameni Ipunduka
Cycling: Hans du Toit, Ermin van Wyk.
Swimming: Jean-Michael Leitner
Triathlon: Adele de la Rey
Berach wrestling: Luis Forcelledo Paz.
Team management:
Chef de mission: Maike Betts
Physiotherapist: Kara Scheepers
Press attache: Vincentius Boois.
