We celebrate Senegal’s sporting culture at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
Puma trousers
This November Dakar plays hosts the 2026 Youth Olympic Games – the first-ever Olympics on African soil – where the competition coalesces around Senegal’s already thriving sporting life.
Nike black cap, stylist’s own white caps
Across the city’s open-air spaces, men and women train relentlessly. The surf community is growing rapidly; boxing gyms spill out of backstreet garages onto crowded beaches and calisthenics is taking over the promenades.
Nike vest, stylist’s own shorts and belt
Nike jacket
Left: Puma trousers, middle left: adidas top and shorts, middle right: stylist’s own vest and shorts, right: Puma trousers
Left: Nike top and shorts, stylist’s own shoes, middle left: stylist’s own shorts, Nike socks, middle: Nike jacket and tights, middle right: ike swimsuit, stylist’s own shorts, right: Nike top, Urban Outfitters shorts, stylist’s own socks, Merrel shoes
Nike shorts
Stylist’s own jacket and accessories, Urban Outfitters shorts, Ergo boxing gloves
Fairtex boxing gloves, Nike shorts, Converse shoes
In Senegal, sports lives far beyond competition. It connects us, inspires us, humbles us and lives inside us. It shapes the body, identity, and the rhythm of everyday life.
Here, sport exists alongside faith, culture and Teranga, woven naturally into daily rhythm. In Senegal, sport is life.
Creative direction and photography Dan Carter
Creative direction, styling and video direction Jessica Hewitt
DOP Alberto Makunzi
Hair and make-up Aline Alima Diédhiou
Grooming Cheikh Seck
Production Sarah Desbois
at Pink Lake Productions
Stylist assistance Formose Mendy
Nouha Sidibe
Production assistance Apolline Chotel
Elhadji Malick
Sophie Langkjaer
Special thanks Ibra Sambe
Secret Spot
Models
Mouha Seck
Formose Mendy
Bachir Ndiaye
Serigne Fallou Ndiaye
Léna Gomis
Déguène Thioune
Moussa Faye
Babacar
Cheikh Diop
Jim Ndiaye
Khady Vita Kebe
Mouhamadou Fallilou Samb
Elhadji Malick Sene
Ousman Gaye
Moise Bodian
Pape Amadou Thioube and Mamadou Aïdara
Fashion
Adidas
Converse
Ergo
Fairtex
Jaded London
Merrel
Nike
Puma
Urban Outfitters
Published on 01/11/2026