Swimmer Cecilia Dieleke of San Martín and gymnast Benjamín Fernández De Landa of Vicente López will carry the Argentine flag at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, according to reports from the news agency DIB.

Delegation Flagbearers Set for Dakar

The two athletes will lead the national delegation at the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games. The multi-sport event for athletes aged 15 to 18 is scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13, marking the first time an Olympic competition will be held on the African continent, with events distributed across the primary host cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Extensive Medal Pedigree in Regional Competitions

Dieleke, who recently turned 17, enters the international showcase following a prolific medal haul at the senior South American Games in Santa Fe, where she captured gold in the 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter backstroke, and women’s 4×100-meter medley relay. Her senior-level campaign also yielded silver medals in the 200-meter backstroke, women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, and mixed 4×100-meter medley relay, alongside a bronze in the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay. Earlier this year at the Youth South American Games in Panama, she earned gold in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, and 4×100-meter medley, plus silver in the 200-meter backstroke and mixed 4×100-meter medley. Her international record further includes multiple medals from the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

Gymnastics Standout Joins Opening Ceremonies

Fernández De Landa brings a decorated gymnastics resume to his role as co-flagbearer. The Vicente López native secured a silver medal in the individual all-around and a bronze medal on the floor exercise at the Youth South American Games in Panama, and he also competed at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.

Broader Argentine Team Composition

Beyond the two flagbearers, the Argentine delegation includes 40 additional athletes who secured qualification across 16 different sports disciplines. The roster spans track and field, 3×3 basketball, cycling, equestrian, fencing, futsal, artistic gymnastics, judo, swimming, coastal rowing, rugby, skateboarding, table tennis, sailing, beach volleyball, and wushu. The competition follows the third edition, which was hosted in Buenos Aires in 2018.