Kenya Makes History With First-Ever Olympic Gold in Rugby Sevens

Kenya made history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after winning the women's rugby sevens gold medal, becoming the first Kenyan team to claim an Olympic gold medal in a team sport.

The historic victory also made Kenya the first African nation to win a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or the Youth Olympic Games.

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The Kenyan side defeated Australia 17-12 in a dramatic final that went into sudden-death extra time, overturning an earlier group-stage defeat against the same opponents, who had beaten them 17-5.

Kenya captain Zain Hido played a crucial role in the victory, alongside Josephine Kerubo and Mitchelle Chemtai, who contributed decisive tries during the contest.

Reflecting on the team's comeback after falling behind 12-5 late in the second half, Hido revealed that the players had almost given up before their coach reminded them of their mission at the competition.

"When we saw we were 12-5 down, we had already given up. But our coach told us to remember what we came here to do. We just told ourselves, ‘Let’s have fun and do what we always do best - play rugby," she said.

Kenya subsequently fought back to level the score at 12-12, forcing the match into extra time, where Chemtai scored the decisive try to secure the gold medal.

The victory was particularly significant for the players, who viewed the competition as an opportunity to transform their lives and create better opportunities for their future.

Hido said representing Kenya carried a special responsibility, noting that the team was determined to make the most of the opportunity presented to them at the Youth Olympic Games.

"Kenya is our home. Kenya is the only place we have and we were promised if we go back, our lives would change and we would be the best," she added.

Hido further explained that the gold medal was expected to open doors for the young players through educational scholarships and sponsorship opportunities.

“As girls under 18, we have a life to live and this was the only chance we had to make our lives better. We are the first Kenya team to win an Olympic gold medal. It will give us scholarships and sponsorships," she further said.

Elsewhere, Kenya is set to host 11 nations for the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship scheduled for November 7 and 8 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, placing the HSBC SVNS 3 competition up for grabs.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the competition would feature teams from across the continent, with South Africa, Uganda and Madagascar among the participating sides.

"The tournament will bring together 11 teams to compete for the African title, with a place in the HSBC SVNS 3 also at stake. Joining hosts Kenya are Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe," the statement read.

Mvurya said hosting the continental competition formed part of its broader ambition to position Kenya as a major destination for international sporting events while creating more opportunities for women athletes.

"Hosting the championship advances Kenya’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for major sporting events. It also provides a platform to grow women’s rugby and showcase the talent emerging across the continent," the statement added.

Mvurya also welcomed the participating teams and their supporters, saying the tournament would offer visitors an opportunity to experience Kenya beyond the sporting competition.

"On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I welcome all participating teams and their supporters to Nairobi and invite our visitors to experience Kenya’s exceptional hospitality beyond the rugby field," the statement further read.