Zambia's Elisha Zimba has made history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after winning bronze in the men's -55kg judo competition on Sunday, 1 November.
The 17-year-old secured his place on the podium after defeating Saudi Arabia's Hebah Mutaz by Ippon, delivering a historic achievement for Zambian judo.
Zimba's bronze medal marks the first time a Zambian athlete has won a judo medal at any Olympic event.
Speaking to Olympics.com after the medal ceremony, the young judoka struggled to hide his excitement.
"I can't believe it," Zimba said. "The medal looks very nice, really beautiful."
He added: "I'm not going to sleep because I'll be showing the medal to everyone in Zambia."
Brother's influence sparked his judo journey
Zimba's journey into judo began at the age of 11 after he accompanied his older brother to a training session in Lusaka.
Initially uninterested in sports, he became fascinated by what he saw and asked for an opportunity to participate.
"I just followed him there because I was bored and didn't want to stay at home alone," he recalled.
"My brother gave me the chance and I loved it immediately. He is my biggest supporter, and he's always helping with tips here and there."
Inspired by Simon Zulu
Zimba also credited fellow Zambian judoka Simon Zulu as an important source of inspiration.
Zulu represented Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has won medals at continental competitions, including the African Championships and African Games.
His encouragement helped Zimba believe that he could also achieve success on the international stage.
"Simon has been telling me that I can make it, I can do it. People always do it, so I can do it as well," he explained.
A stepping stone to greater ambitions
Despite celebrating his historic achievement, Zimba sees the Dakar 2026 bronze medal as the beginning of a promising journey.
The youngster hopes the accomplishment will open doors to scholarships, further training opportunities and greater international experience.
"I think this medal will push me forward because I've been training hard for this medal. I wish to get scholarships as well and gain more experience," he said.
Zimba's historic podium finish adds another memorable chapter to African sport as the continent hosts its first Olympic event, with Dakar 2026 providing a platform for the next generation of sporting talent.
Source: Olympics.com | By Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo | Adapted by Sports Hunter South Sudan.
