Bermuda’s young athletes are gearing up for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Flying the island’s flag at the fourth edition of the games will be javelin thrower Tatiana Sousa, triathlete Gianluca Bortoli, and swimmers Maggie Mewett and Noah Maranzana.

Bortoli was the first athlete to arrive in Senegal, landing on Tuesday with chef de mission Ashley Yearwood. The 17-year-old will line up next Thursday as one of 32 competitors in the youth elite men’s event.

The Warwick Academy student, who finished runner-up at the Carifta Championships on Saturday, is optimistic about his performance in Senegal.

“I’m really excited to get a good position at the Carifta Championships — it really gives me good confidence going to Dakar,” Bortoli told The Royal Gazette.

“There’s still going to be some really fast guys there considering that it’s the Youth Olympics, but I should be pretty competitive and my goal is just to really be in the race. I don’t want to be off the back.

“The main focus is the swim, getting out in a good spot and then from there see what happens.”

Maranzana and Mewett, who have been training at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are expected in Senegal on Friday with coach Geri Mewett, arriving just a day before the official opening ceremony.

Mewett, who is swimming in the 50 metres and 100 metres butterfly, 100 breaststroke and 50 freestyle, expressed her excitement about the event.

“I am so honoured and excited to represent Bermuda at any meet, but having the opportunity to compete at the Youth Olympics is truly incredible,” the 16-year-old said.

“I’m so excited to meet new people and experience the culture in Dakar. Swimming in the weeks leading up to the meet has been really fun, especially with the excitement building at practice.

“I want to do my best, compete as well as I can and I hope to represent Bermuda well. I’m so grateful to get to experience this event, with it being the first Olympic event on African soil and it will be something I remember for the rest of my life.”

Maranzana vowed to make his country proud when he competes in the 50 freestyle and 50 and 100 metres breaststroke.

“Representing Bermuda is an honour in itself, but at a stage as big as this it is a surreal experience even just saying it,” the 17-year-old said.

“Not many opportunities for a meet like this come around at all so to be selected and compete is a feeling beyond comparison.

“Once I had been selected, we adjusted my training plan to this meet and have been working hard to try and compete the best I can at this meet.

“My expectations are to swim my race to the best of my ability, execute what I have been practising and make my country proud doing so.”

Sousa, who has been training on island with coach Terry-Lynn Paynter, will be the last to arrive in the West African nation on Thursday, with her event scheduled for November 9.

Meanwhile, as part of its support for athletes at Dakar 2026, the International Olympic Committee is providing them with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 devices, supplied by Olympic partner Samsung.

The smartphones will give athletes a way to stay connected with friends, family and fellow competitors throughout the Games, while capturing and sharing moments from their time in Dakar.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry believes the gadgets will add to what will be a memorable experience for the young athletes.

“Dakar 2026 is an important opportunity for young athletes to compete, connect and learn from one another on a global stage,” Coventry said.

“We’re excited to provide athletes with Samsung Galaxy smartphones for the first time at the Youth Olympic Games, which will help them stay connected and capture the experiences that make the Games so special.”

According to the IOC, Dakar 2026 will also see the continuation of the “Olympic Victory Selfie”, which has become part of the official medal ceremonies at the Games.

After years of preparation and competition for the athletes, the Olympic Victory Selfie helps them capture their moment on the podium. Shaped by the athletes themselves, it has become an iconic part of the medal-winning experience.

“Samsung’s longstanding commitment to the Olympic Movement extends to the Youth Olympic Games and their important role in inspiring the next generation of Olympians,” said Stephanie Choi, executive vice-president and head of global brand centre at Samsung Electronics.

“We welcome the IOC’s decision to provide Galaxy smartphones to athletes at Dakar 2026.

“We hope Galaxy technology helps them make the most of this important milestone and take away meaningful experiences that stay with them long after the Games.”