The Bermuda Olympic Association has announced the athletes who will represent the island in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal

Tatiana Sousa will compete in the javelin, Maggie Mewett and Noah Maranzana in swimming and Gianluca Bortoli in the triathlon at the Games, which will take place from October 31 to November 13.

The delegation will be led by chef de mission Ashley Yearwood, who will oversee the team throughout the Games, working alongside Games management in Dakar to support the athletes across all three sports.

Coaches Terry-Lynn Paynter, Geri Mewett and Michael Harlow will also travel.

“As Chef de Mission for Team Bermuda, I am honoured to travel to Dakar, Senegal, to support and lead our young Bermudian athletes as they represent our island at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games,” Yearwood said.

“This is a truly historic edition of the Youth Olympic Games — the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil — and it provides a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to compete, learn, build friendships and experience the rich culture and hospitality of Senegal.”

Sousa is delighted to get the opportunity to again represent her country.

“I am both honoured and grateful for the opportunity to represent Bermuda at the Youth Olympic Games,” she said.

“When starting javelin, I never dreamt I would get to compete at such a high level but now that I am, I will make every effort to implement technique and utilise the strength I have built up this off-season.”

For triathlete Bortoli, selection represents the culmination of a couple of years of hard work.

“I am excited to have been selected to compete at the Youth Olympic Games,” he said.

“Competing at these Games has been a goal of mine for the last two years and to earn selection after racing against Bermuda’s and the region’s top juniors makes this a special accomplishment for me. It will be an incredible experience to compete at such a high-level event, and I hope it will be a huge development opportunity.”

Swimmer Maranzana is promising to try his very best at the Games

“Representing Bermuda in any meet is an honour and a privilege, one far greater than any experience before, but to do so on the world stage at the Youth Olympic Games is unreal,” Maranzana said.

“I am beyond excited to be able to compete and represent my country and do my best in every event I do.”

Fellow swimmer Mewett is hoping to make the island proud with her exploits in the pool

“Competing at the Youth Olympics is an incredible honour and I’m so proud to have the opportunity to represent Bermuda on an international stage,” she said.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point and I’m excited to see that hard work pays off while competing alongside some of the best young athletes from around the world. I hope to make Bermuda proud and enjoy every moment of this amazing experience.”

BOA president Peter Dunne is delighted that Bermuda are sending some promising athletes overseas.

“The Youth Olympic Games are a vital stepping stone for our most promising young athletes,” said Dunne.

“Tatiana, Maggie, Noah and Gianluca have earned their places through hard work and commitment, and they carry the pride of the whole island with them. We also thank the coaches, families and national federations whose support has brought them to this point.

We know they will represent Bermuda with distinction in Dakar.”