Lin Yilei wins first Olympic wushu gold at Dakar 2026

China’s Lin Yilei has made history by winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in wushu at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This landmark achievement occurred as the martial art made its official debut as a medal sport on the Olympic program. Lin secured the gold in the men’s changquan combined event, setting a high standard for the sport's inclusion in future international multi-sport competitions.

The wushu events were held from November 1 to 3 at the Dakar Expo Center, drawing 47 athletes from 46 nations. The competition highlighted the global reach of the sport, with gold medals also being awarded to Egypt’s Sondos Sonbol in the women’s changquan combined, Hong Kong’s Poon Hao Ran in the men’s taijiquan combined, and Singapore’s Ng Zhe Nin in the women’s taijiquan combined. In addition to the medal events, organizers held demonstrations to engage local Senegalese youth and foster interest in the discipline.

The debut of wushu is a highlight of the Dakar 2026 Games, which represent the first time an Olympic event has been hosted in Africa. The successful integration of the sport into the Youth Olympic Games serves as a significant step for the International Wushu Federation's long-term goals for the sport. Beyond the wushu arena, the Chinese delegation saw further success during the competition window, with gold medal wins in coastal rowing and swimming, contributing to the high-energy atmosphere of the historic Games.