Jun 19, 2026
With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games approaching, two young Eritrean athletes are showing what is possible with support from Olympic Solidarity’s Youth Athlete Development programme – and they hope it will take them all the way to the starting line in Dakar.
Sirak Bereket Libsekal was inspired to take up cycling by his uncle, Daniel Teklehaimanot, who rose to prominence at the Tour de France in 2015.
“He was the first Eritrean and black African cyclist to wear the prestigious polka dot jersey,” explains the 17-year-old. “Though I was into soccer during my early childhood, I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Doing so in Eritrea is not easy, however.
“The challenges for cyclists in our country are myriad,” he says. “The lack of road race purpose-built cycles, spare parts and training facilities are just some of the issues. Though the cycling teams try their hardest, we as athletes have to make the most of our resources to overcome such challenges.”
That’s where Olympic Solidarity’s Youth Athlete Development programme comes in.
CREATING A PATH TO THE TOP
In cooperation with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations, the programme provides financial support for training, coaching, medical, nutritional and travel costs for youth athletes on the road to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and other major events.
In the lead-up to Dakar 2026, the IOC has distributed USD 8.8 million for youth athlete development, with the 54 NOCs in Africa receiving 32 per cent of this support. This funding, as implemented by the Eritrean NOC, has made a real difference to Sirak’s approach to racing as he aims to qualify for Dakar 2026 in November.
“Through the Youth Athlete Development programme, I have learned about race tactics, essential road cycling techniques such as sprint finishes, cornering and climbing, and basic bike maintenance. All of which came in handy during the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola,” he explains.
Sirak won a bronze medal in the time trial and came seventh in the road race – a big morale boost ahead of the YOG – and he has no doubt the support from Olympic Solidarity helped him.
“It gave me the technical know-how in what was my first major international competition. As a young rider, taking part in an event like that, and winning a medal, was a career milestone. I’d never competed in an international cycling event like that before.”
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Fellow Eritrean athlete Kanari Teklemariam Estifanos, 15, is a junior 800m champion, winning gold at the 2025 East and Central African Junior Athletics Championship in Tanzania. For her, as for Sirak, Olympic Solidarity’s support has made a big difference.
“As athletes, there are various challenges that we have to address. Being able to afford running shoes and other sports kit, for example.
“Our club can solve some of the challenges, but Olympic Solidarity’s support has been instrumental in my sporting career. The nutritious meals provided and the sports uniforms purchased have helped significantly in improving my performance.
“It’s also helped with training, giving us access to the latest sprint practices and massage techniques, and most importantly, it’s raised awareness on doping.”
TARGETING DAKAR 2026
Dakar 2026 is the next target for Kanari, who hopes that her participation may inspire others.
“My role model is Sifan Hassan, Olympic champion in the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon. She represented the Netherlands with distinction – by the same token, my vision is to represent my country in the Youth Olympic Games and at world championships, which may inspire fellow female athletes to do the same.”
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For more on the article you can read here. You can also go to the official Dakar 2026 page.
