Spanish designer wins Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic medal design contest
A design by 26-year-old Spanish creative Pilar Barbadillo Vicario has been selected as the obverse of the medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Titled “The Roar of Youth,” the artwork will appear on medals awarded to athletes who reach the podium in Senegal.
The design was chosen following a global call that attracted entries from 103 countries, underscoring strong international interest in the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. A multidisciplinary jury reviewed the submissions before presenting its recommendation to the International Olympic Committee Executive Board.
“The Roar of Youth” draws inspiration from Senegalese culture and Olympic symbolism. At its center is a lion, representing both the host nation and the values of strength and courage associated with elite sport.
Symbolism rooted in Senegal and Olympic values
The lion’s mane is formed by two symmetrical faces inspired by Senegalese artistic traditions. These faces symbolize fairness and respect, core principles of the Olympic movement, and are each adorned with olive crowns referencing the ancient origins of the Games.
Clean lines and balanced composition define the medal, blending local identity with universal Olympic ideals. The design reflects not just victory, but the journey and discipline behind athletic achievement.
Barbadillo Vicario said she wanted the medal to resonate long after competition ends. She explained that the design represents everything athletes accomplish over time, not only the moment they step on the podium.
A personal victory for the young designer
Currently pursuing a master’s degree in UX/UI design, Barbadillo Vicario described learning about her selection as an emotional moment. She said the achievement felt like winning a medal herself, given her lifelong connection to the Olympic Games.
She added that knowing young athletes will wear a medal bearing her design is deeply meaningful. For her, art serves as a form of expression similar to how athletes express themselves through sport.
The competition was launched in September 2025 and saw particularly strong participation from India, Senegal, Brazil, Mexico and France. As part of her prize, Barbadillo Vicario will be invited to attend the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The jury included IOC officials, Olympians, young leaders, artists and Dakar 2026 ambassadors. Greek designer Agisilaos Kyriazis finished as runner-up with “The Sun of Values,” while India’s Elizuba Joe Abraham placed third with “The Celebration of Triumph.”
The reverse side of the medal will be created through a separate national competition organized by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee. It will feature Senegalese cultural elements alongside the Youth Olympic Games emblem.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be held from Friday, Oct. 31 to Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. Around 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under will compete across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
