09 July 2026
RYA secures women's windsurfing place for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
GBR awarded a place at 2026 Youth Olympics
The RYA has confirmed that GBR has been awarded a quota place in the Women's Windsurfing event for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Following a review of qualification allocations by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the British Olympic Association (BOA) has now been offered one place in the female windsurfing discipline, creating an exciting opportunity for one of Britain's rising windsurfing talents to represent Team GB on the world stage.
While the allocation secures British representation in the women's event, no quota place has been awarded in the men's windsurfing discipline.
The RYA is now working closely with the BOA to finalise the selection policy that will determine which athlete earns the opportunity to compete in Dakar. Further details will be announced once the policy has been confirmed.
The Techno 293 European Championships this summer are expected to play a significant role in the selection process, reflecting the importance of international competition experience in identifying the athlete best placed to represent GBR at the Games.
Oli Woodcock RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: "We are delighted to have secured a place in the Women's Windsurfing event at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Competing at a multi-sport event of this scale is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes and provides an important stepping stone on the performance pathway.
“This quota place reflects the strength of our youth windsurfing programme and gives our sailors a clear target as they continue their development. We look forward to working with the BOA to finalise the selection process and supporting our athletes as they compete for the opportunity to represent Team GB in Dakar."
Taking place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will bring together the world's leading young athletes and will be the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent.
Further information regarding the selection policy and timelines will be published in due course.