Carlo Cruz Tovar to compete in Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

Mexican pole vaulter Carlo Cruz Tovar is set to compete in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. Currently ranked fourth in the world in the U-18 category by World Athletics, the 17-year-old athlete holds the Mexican national record with a jump of 5.15 meters, achieved during the National Olympiad in Guadalajara.

Originally from Querétaro, Cruz transitioned to pole vaulting five years ago after starting his athletic career in artistic gymnastics. Under the guidance of coach Francisco Montano, he has secured three national titles and achieved international success, including winning the NACAC U-18 Championship in Tlaxcala and earning a silver medal at the Ibero-American U-18 Championships in Asunción, Paraguay.

The athletics events at the Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from November 8 to 10, 2026.