Athletics had two notable stories in the week from 2 to 9 November: the opening athletics events at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Cross Internacional de Itálica in Spain.
Nigeria wins both 100m titles in Dakar
Gift Bright won the men’s 100m at the Youth Olympic Games on 8 November in a Games-record 10.28 seconds. Rosemary Nwankwo completed a Nigerian sprint double by winning the women’s 100m in a wind-assisted 11.16 seconds.
Kenya also enjoyed success in the distance events. Abigael Kosgei won the women’s 2000m steeplechase in 6:30.24, while Enock Tuitoek took the men’s 3000m in 8:07.69. These results provided a strong start to the athletics programme in Dakar.
Cross-country: wins for Kwizera and Amebaw
At the Cross Internacional de Itálica in Seville on 8 November, Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi and Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw claimed the senior race victories. Kwizera secured a third win at the event, equalling the record held by Kenenisa Bekele. Amebaw claimed her first victory there after finishing third in the previous year’s race.
Why the results matter
Youth Olympic performances give emerging athletes international experience and a chance to compete under pressure. Cross-country events test endurance and tactical judgement, adding a different challenge from track races.
What to watch next
The Dakar Youth Olympic athletics programme runs from 8 to 10 November. Follow World Athletics for official results, event records and the full competition timetable.
Sources:
World Athletics — Bright and Nwankwo lead Nigerian 100m double: https://worldathletics.org/competitions/youth-olympic-games/news/bright-nwankwo-dakar-2026-youth-olympics
World Athletics — Kwizera and Amebaw triumph in Seville: https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kwizera-amebaw-cross-italica-seville-2026