Win for Kenya as Tuitoek, Kosgei Strike Double Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Teenage distance running talents Abigael Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek claimed gold medals on Sunday, November 8, at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The double triumph at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop increased Kenya’s overall gold medal tally to three, following the earlier success of the Rising Lionesses in the women’s rugby sevens.

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16-year-old Abigael Kosgei produced a dominant performance to win the women’s 2,000m steeplechase, crossing the finish line in a personal best of 6:30.24.

Despite the scorching conditions in the Senegalese capital, Kosgei led from the start, although her path to victory was not entirely smooth. 

She briefly stumbled at the water barrier during the third lap before regaining her composure and pulling away from Ethiopia’s Mekonen Abera, who claimed silver in 6:32.15.

Speaking after the race, Kosgei dedicated her victory to Kenya while acknowledging the challenging weather conditions.

"I am so happy for this win; the race was tough because of the weather since it is very hot here, but I was determined to get this medal and I dedicate it to myself and to all Kenyans," she said.

The 16-year-old also expressed hope of winning gold when Kenya hosts the World Athletics Championships in 2029.

The men’s 3,000m final provided a tense tactical contest, with 17-year-old Enock Tuitoek forced to adjust his race strategy as the competition unfolded. 

Tuitoek, who had previously won gold at the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi earlier in the year, found himself boxed in by the leading pack as he attempted to make his move.

Explaining his initial race strategy, Tuitoek said he had intended to break away from the leading group with five laps remaining but struggled to find space.

"The plan was that with five laps, I would break away from the leading pack and take control of the race. However, it was not so easy because every time I tried to do so, I was always boxed in, so I had to increase the pace," he explained.

The tactical adjustment paid off as the Kenyan produced a decisive sprint in the closing metres to cross the finish line in 8:07.69. 

He held off Ethiopia’s Goytom Mekonen, who finished second in 8:08.24, and France’s Benhammou Meziane, who took bronze in 8:11.59.

Notably, 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.

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.