India's Dhinidhi Desinghu has made history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after winning bronze in the women's 100m freestyle on Monday, 2 November, becoming the country's first-ever swimming medallist at the Youth Olympic Games.
The 16-year-old clocked 56.27 seconds at Tour de l’Oeuf, setting a new personal milestone by breaking her own national record.
Desinghu finished behind Croatia's Ana Bobanovic, who claimed gold, while New Zealand's Alyssa Lawson secured silver.
Speaking after the race, the young Indian swimmer struggled to put her emotions into words.
“There's no words to explain how great I feel right now,” she said.
From hating swimming to making history
Desinghu's journey to the podium has not been straightforward.
Despite starting swimming at a young age, she revealed that she initially disliked the sport and struggled with being in the water.
“I hated it, honestly. I didn't want to get in,” she recalled.
However, as she began winning competitions and building friendships through swimming, her attitude gradually changed, helping shape her into the athlete she is today.
Chad Le Clos provides inspiration
The Indian teenager also credited South African swimming legend Chad Le Clos for giving her an extra boost ahead of her historic performance.
Desinghu revealed that she met the Olympic champion in the gallery, where he encouraged her to win a medal and gave her a pin that she carried as a good-luck charm.
“I kept it with me like a good luck charm. It burned that fire in me so that I could win a medal,” she explained.
The achievement is another important milestone in her young career, having already represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at just 14.
More swimming champions crowned
Elsewhere, Russia's Bogdan Toropkin claimed gold in the men's 100m freestyle after clocking 49.66 seconds, becoming the only swimmer to finish below the 50-second mark.
China's Xie Yichen took silver in 50.18 seconds, while Lee Han of Chinese Taipei secured bronze in 50.26 seconds, delivering the country's first-ever Youth Olympic Games swimming medal.
Japan also enjoyed success in the 200m breaststroke events, with Ishikawa Mana winning the women's title and Miyazaki Iori taking gold in the men's competition.
South Africa's Chanel Veldsman added another podium finish for Africa by claiming bronze in the women's 200m breaststroke.
Desinghu's achievement highlights the growing opportunities for young swimmers on the international stage, as Dakar 2026 continues to provide a platform for emerging talent to make history.
Source: Olympic Information Service (OIS) | Adapted by Sports Hunter South Sudan.
