France picks its flag bearers

French Olympic officials on Wednesday chose a baseball player and a rower to carry the French flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Games begin October 31st

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games begin in the Senegalese capital Dakar on 31 October. The pair will lead the French delegation of 69 athletes competing in 22 of the 25 sports.

Meet Elsa Lepinay

Elsa Lepinay, 16, was selected to carry the flag. She plays Baseball5 and began playing baseball at the age of eight. She took part in last year's Youth World Cup in Mexico.

Lepinay's reaction

Lepinay said she was very surprised to be elected flag-bearer. Being selected for the Youth Olympic Games was already incredible news, and she did not expect another announcement like this.

“I was very surprised when I found out I had been elected flag-bearer. It was really not news I was expecting.”

Meet Raphaël de Boussac

Raphaël de Boussac, 17, is the second flag-bearer. He will take part in coastal rowing competitions between 31 October and 3 November at Plage de Saly, about 85 kilometres south of Dakar.

De Boussac's pride

De Boussac said carrying his country's colours and representing all French young people at such an intense and significant moment is something huge. He is really proud of it.

“To carry my country's colours and represent all French young people at such an intense and significant moment is something huge, and I am really proud of it.”

De Boussac's training

De Boussac is registered with Aviron Seynois in southern France. He said his first Olympic experience is the result of many training sessions and all the commitment he has put into his sport.

“This first Olympic experience is the result of many training sessions and all the commitment I have put into my sport.”

France's delegation size

The French delegation will be the second-largest after host nation Senegal at the event. Nearly 3,000 athletes from 207 countries will compete at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

France's past medal record

At the previous Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, France's 99 athletes won 27 medals, including five golds to finish ninth on the medal table.

LGBT rights concerns

Preparations for Dakar 2026 have been overshadowed by concerns over Senegal's treatment of LGBT people. Human Rights Watch called on authorities to halt a crackdown on same-sex relations.

Senegal's legal changes

In March, Senegal's parliament amended article 319 of the penal code, doubling the maximum penalty for consensual same-sex conduct from five to 10 years in prison. It also criminalised promotion of LGBT people.

Olympic Charter violation claim

Human Rights Watch said the government's measures were incompatible with the Olympic movement's commitments to non-discrimination and human rights. The Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination on any grounds.

“The Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination on any grounds and commits host countries to respect human rights and human dignity.”

LGBT people's fears

Larissa Kojoue, HRW's LGBT rights researcher, said LGBT people are being forced to curb their normal activities and keep from exercising their rights for fear of arrest and increased stigma.

“LGBT people are being forced to curb their normal activities and to keep from exercising their rights for fear of arrest and increased stigma.”