Elvira Espinosa wins Ecuador's first swimming gold at Youth Olympics

Ecuadorian swimmer Elvira Espinosa secured the first swimming gold medal of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games. Competing in the women's 400-metre freestyle, Espinosa clocked a personal best time of 4:22.87.

South Africa's Leah Markgraaff earned the silver medal with a time of 4:26.13, while Celya Paques of Belgium took the bronze in 4:28.37. The podium results highlight growing competitive presence from South American and African athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by Europe and Asia.

The 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games are being hosted in the Senegalese cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. This event marks the first time an Olympic sporting event has been held on the African continent.