The 17-year-old swimmer claims South Africa’s first medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with an impressive 400m freestyle performance.
Dakar, Senegal (03 November 2026) – South African teenager Leah Markgraaff has made a splash at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after becoming the country’s first medallist at the 2026 event.
The 17-year-old Tuks swimmer claimed silver in the women’s 400m freestyle, producing an impressive performance to finish second in 4:26.13.
Ecuador’s Elvira Espinosa took gold in 4:22.87, while Belgium’s Celya Paques completed the podium in 4:28.37.
Markgraaff got off to a flying start, leading the race over the opening 100 metres before Espinosa moved ahead on the third lap. The South African held on for silver, finishing just 0.02 seconds outside her personal best.
Speaking shortly after climbing out of the pool, Markgraaff admitted that the achievement had not quite sunk in.
“I do not think it has quite sunk in yet, but I think it is quite a good achievement and I am very happy about it. I really focused on getting out ahead early to get a good feel for the water. I enjoy getting out quickly to get ahead and settle into the race.”
She said she had focused on getting ahead early to settle into the race and get a good feel for the water, adding that she was incredibly proud to have brought home South Africa’s first medal.
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Swimming is clearly a family affair for the Markgraaffs. Her father, Henk, represented South Africa in junior triathlon, while her uncle Ryno competed internationally as a swimmer.
Leah has also shared the international stage with her younger brother, Carter, with the pair representing South Africa at last year’s World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Argentina.
Although swimming remains her biggest passion, Markgraaff is no stranger to other sporting and creative pursuits. She has played hockey, competed in athletics and netball, and even trained in ballet, tap and modern dance.
But it is in the water where she feels most at home.
She has previously described swimming as a place where she can relax, regardless of how challenging her day has been.
With her first Youth Olympic medal now secured, the young swimmer has another special achievement to add to her growing journey in the pool. And for Team SA, it is a wonderful way to get the medal celebrations started.
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