Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Barbelin has been appointed as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, joining a group of Olympians and international athletes selected to mentor and inspire young competitors at the event.
The programme has been a key part of every edition of the Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010.
“It is such an honour for me to become Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026,” said Barbelin. “I’m really excited to start and to take part in the event.”
As part of the programme, Athlete Role Models share their experience with young athletes both on and off the field of play, while also participating in workshops and educational activities during the Games.
“It means that I can explain my experience to young people. And maybe help them,” added Barbelin. “I think I could give a lot of advice to younger athletes, because I have a lot of experience in sport.”
Speaking directly to the next generation, her message is simple:
