Temesgen Truneh Praises Ethiopia’s Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Athletes

What changed

Ethiopia’s young athletes finished first in the athletics medal table at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, winning five gold and three silver medals.

On November 12, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh praised the athletes, coaches and others involved. He also reaffirmed plans to expand sports infrastructure and youth development across Ethiopia.

Why it matters

The result gives Ethiopia’s sports institutions a clear success to build around: young athletes have produced the country’s strongest showing at these Games, and the government is presenting that performance as proof that investment in talent, facilities and training can deliver.

The next test is turning applause into usable support. The government’s infrastructure promise has no stated timetable, budget or project list, so its value will depend on what gets built, where it appears and how young athletes gain access to it.