Mustapha Jadama has scripted a historic chapter in Gambian sport by winning silver in the men’s 400m at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, becoming the first athlete from The Gambia to win a medal at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.

Jadama clocked 46.93 seconds to finish second in Tuesday’s final. Saeed Omar of the United Arab Emirates claimed gold in 46.40 seconds.

The result ended a medal drought stretching back more than four decades for the small West African nation, which is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal. Since making its Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, The Gambia had participated in every edition without reaching the podium. Its athletes had also failed to win a medal at the previous three Youth Olympic Games.

The teenager’s breakthrough has sparked celebrations back home, with congratulations pouring in from people he had never met. Recalling the response, Jadama told Olympics.com that he was surprised and excited when an unknown person called to congratulate him.

His family has also been eagerly awaiting his return. Jadama said his relatives had been calling and were looking forward to celebrating the achievement with him.

The sprinter, who once jokingly described himself as the “king of the track” after winning races at home, has now earned a lasting place in the history of Gambian athletics.

Meanwhile, host nation Senegal advanced to the semifinals in both the men’s and women’s beach handball competitions on Wednesday.

In the women’s quarterfinals, Senegal defeated Croatia 2-0, taking the sets 24-20 and 30-16. The hosts will face Spain, who beat Kenya 2-0. France edged China 2-1, while Uruguay defeated Mexico 2-0.

Senegal also booked a place in the men’s semifinals with a 2-0 win over Thailand (20-19, 20-16). Germany, Hungary and Brazil joined the hosts in the last four after defeating Puerto Rico, Tunisia and the Cook Islands, respectively.