MBABANE- Team Eswatini’s campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games has ended without a medal.
The three-member contingent competed in swimming, athletics and taekwondo, with Luca Fraser, Knowledge Mkhwanazi and Simisile ‘Simcard’ Thwala representing the country in their respective disciplines.
Fraser competed in the 200m, 100m and 50m breaststroke events. His best finish was 10th overall in the 200m breaststroke, where he clocked 2:32.05, improving his personal best by two seconds. He also recorded 1:09.17 in the 100m and 30.66 seconds in the 50m breaststroke, setting another personal best in the latter event.
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi competed in the men’s 100m, clocking 11.51 seconds to finish sixth in the second semi-final. Although he did not progress to the final, the sprinter recorded a personal best.
Thwala was the last of the three athletes to compete, taking part in the women’s Under-55kg taekwondo category on Wednesday. She faced Yasmine Haquani but lost both rounds as her opponent demonstrated superior tactical and technical execution.
Despite the defeats, Chef de Mission Zakhele Zulu commended all three athletes for their efforts and commitment in representing Eswatini, despite the team returning home without medals.
Zulu said the exposure and experience gained during the competition would go a long way in the athletes’ development.
He expressed hope that the experience would serve as a learning curve not only for the athletes but also for the entire delegation, including the coaches and technical team.
The Chef de Mission said the lessons learnt would be valuable in improving preparations and performances in future international competitions.
Thwala’s performance was also acknowledged for her determination and fighting spirit, with the technical team expected to review her bout and use the experience to refine her training programme.
The three athletes have now concluded their respective competitions, bringing Eswatini’s participation in the Games to an end.
