Swimmers dive into Dakar action
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:03
Melodi Saleshando will compete in the women's 50m freestyle, featuring in heat nine of nine in lane seven, while Tema Modirelabangwe takes to the pool in the men's 50m butterfly, swimming in heat three in lane three. The finals are scheduled for the same day, subject to qualification from the heats. Swimming coach, Solomon Mpusetsang told Sport Monitor that the team was ready, with spirits high ahead of their first appearance. 'The team is ready, spirits are high and we are looking forward to taking it to the pool,' he said.
However, Mpusetsang said the extreme heat and lengthy commute to the competition venue were presenting logistical challenges. He added the aquatic centre is about two hours from the Athletes' Village, with the team having to take a bus to the train station, travel by train to Dakar before boarding another bus to the venue. 'The buses are not air-conditioned, which makes the journey quite tiresome. It is very hot here, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the situation does not take a toll on the swimmers,' he said.
Meanwhile, judoka Theresa Tagarira has missed out on a podium finish after losing to Venezuela's Rosalvick Aguilar in the bronze medal contest. Aguilar took control with a yuko before sealing victory with a decisive shoulder throw for ippon. Competing in the women's 44kg category, Tagarira had battled her way into the bronze medal contest after losing her opening bout through an osae-komi pin. She recovered with a walkover victory in her second contest before advancing with a third-round win through hansoku-make.
Her coach, Thato Lebang, described the defeat as unfortunate but said the experience would provide valuable lessons. 'These things happen. It was a misjudgement on her part, something we can correct. It is a learning curve,' he said. Tagarira had arrived in Dakar with encouraging form after winning gold at the South African National Ranking Competition, which served as a yardstick for assessing her readiness for the Youth Olympic Games. For the young athletes competing in Dakar, the Youth Olympics represent more than another international tournament.
They provide an early taste of the Olympic environment, exposing them to the pressure, expectations and opportunities that come with representing their country on a global stage. The athletics and boxing teams are expected to join the action over the weekend.