The Costa Rican Judo Federation has officially announced that 16-year-old judoka Jimena Morales Gamboa will represent the nation in the -52 kg category at the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Morales will compete in the world’s premier youth sporting event, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal. Her selection secures one of the highly competitive quotas allocated to Costa Rica for this global tournament, which brings together elite athletes aged 15 to 18 from across the globe.

A Proven Track Record of Success

According to the federation, Morales earned her spot through outstanding performances and consistent podium finishes across the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Her impressive resume over the past two years includes:

• Gold: 2025 National Cadet Championship
• Bronze: 2025 Central American Games
• Double Gold: 2025 Cadet and Junior Pan American Cup
• Gold: 2026 National Cadet Championship
• Bronze: 2026 Pan American Cadet Championship

How Selection Works for Dakar 2026: Unlike the traditional Olympic Games where spots are usually tied directly to individual athletes, Youth Olympic Games quotas are awarded directly to the country. It is then up to the national federations and the National Olympic Committee to evaluate and select the best representative for each spot.

Costa Rica’s Growing Delegation

Costa Rica currently has more than 20 guaranteed athlete spots for Dakar 2026. However, the National Olympic Committee of Costa Rica noted that the final delegation size could adjust slightly based on final eligibility checks, injury management, or extraordinary circumstances.

As of now, Costa Rican athletes have successfully qualified in the following disciplines:

• Road Cycling
• Women’s Futsal (representing the largest single block with 14 selected players)
• Fencing
• Judo
• Swimming
• Triathlon
• Athletics (Track and Field)

The formal administrative finalization and official roster lock for all sports will be concluded by the sports registration deadline on September 25, 2026.

A Historic First for the Olympic Movement

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. This event holds monumental significance for the global sports community, marking the first time in history that an official Olympic event will be held on the African continent.

- Advertisement -