Nigeria’s Gift Bright has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the men’s 100m gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Bright produced an outstanding performance to storm to victory at the 2026 edition in Dakar, Senegal, setting a personal best of 10.28 seconds ahead of Zhang Hangyu, who clocked 10.57 seconds, and Szymon Dolega, who finished in 10.61 seconds.

The Nigerian sprinter celebrated the remarkable achievement by displaying an inscription on the back of his bib, highlighting the significance of the gold medal to him.

Bright’s triumph also represents a major milestone for Nigerian athletics, coming seven years after Alaba Akintola won silver in the men’s 100m at the 2019 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

The youngster has now taken Nigeria a step further by claiming the gold medal in the event, with his performance suggesting a promising future for the sprinter.

Nigeria’s wait for a medal at the 2026 Youth Olympics ended after nine days, but the country enjoyed a golden Sunday as its sprinters delivered two titles.

Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo had earlier won the women’s 100m gold medal in 11.16 seconds, before Bright completed the double by triumphing in the men’s event.

The two victories handed Nigeria its first two gold medals at the Games in Dakar.