On April 16, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the first group of Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), marking an important step in preparations for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent. In collaboration with the International Federations, experienced Olympians from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme have been selected as Athlete Role Models. Chinese Athlete Xiaoxiao Lai has been named by IOC an Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026 YOG.
Speaking about her selection as an Athlete Role Model, Xiaoxiao Lai said: “It is a great honor to be selected as an Athlete Role Model for the Youth Olympic Games. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) and my colleagues in the wushu community for their continuous support and assistance. I am truly proud that wushu has been included in the Youth Olympic Games for the first time. As an Athlete Role Model, I will share the experience, thoughts and insights I have gained through my many years in wushu, helping young athletes create their own best moments, enjoy the YOG stage to the fullest, and showcase the youthful spirit of wushu. This further strengthens my belief that wushu will shine even more brightly on the world stage.”
Wushu
Xiaoxiao Lai is a Chinese wushu taolu athlete specialising in changquan, jianshu and qiangshu. She is one of the most successful wushu practitioners of her generation and has achieved major titles at world, continental and national levels, representing China in elite international competition.
Sporting Achievements
World Wushu Gold Medalist, Women's Qiangshu
World Games Gold Medalist, Changquan title - 2022
Asian Games Gold Medalist, Women's Jianshu and Qiangshu - 2022
Education/Studies
Bachelor's degree from East China University of Science and Technology
Master's degree studies in sports education at Anhui University
Roles in Sport/Community
Active contributor to the promotion and global development of wushu through competition, education and athlete representation
Current university Lecturer while competing internationally
ARM Programme
Since the inaugural Singapore 2010 YOG, the Athlete Role Model programme has been a central component of each edition, providing the young athletes competing with a chance to learn from experienced Olympians.
The Athlete Role Models will be on the ground in Senegal to engage with competing athletes, providing support and advice around competition and taking part in educational workshops. These workshops cover topics such as career management, injury prevention and mental preparation, among many other things.
The Athlete Role Models will also attend training sessions, engage with the local community, support the athletes from the sidelines and be there to congratulate them at victory ceremonies.
On this milestone announcement, IOC Athletes' Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi said: “Like many in our society, young athletes naturally look up to Olympians for guidance and inspiration. At every edition of the YOG, we have witnessed the incredible impact of Athlete Role Models in terms of athlete experience, and that’s why we are convinced that these outstanding role models will play a central role during Dakar 2026 and beyond. They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal. Their contribution will be invaluable in supporting the mission of Dakar 2026 and empowering the next generation to chase their dreams.”
Wushu’s Debut at Dakar 2026 YOG
The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Wushu is one of the official sports of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking its debut as an official sport in the Olympic Movement. The wushu competitions will be held at the Dakar Expo Center (DEX) from November 1 to 3, 2026. A total of 48 athletes from around the world will compete in four events: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan and Cudgel), Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan and Cudgel), Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan and Taijishan), and Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan and Taijishan), showcasing the skills and elegance of young wushu practitioners globally.
