Yolayni Rosado makes history: first gold medal for the Dominican Republic in Olympic wrestling
The Dominican delegation is celebrating at the IV Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. Wrestler Yolayni Rosado Valerio was crowned Olympic champion in the 65-kilogram beach wrestling category, after authoritatively prevailing in the grand final against Spain’s Gabriela Eningo with a score of 3-1.
This triumph not only represents the first medal for the country in this edition of the youth games, but it also marks an unprecedented milestone: Rosado becomes the first Dominican athlete in the history of Olympic wrestling to reach a podium at an Olympic Games.
An impeccable path to gold
The Dominican athlete’s performance at Saly Oeste beach was simply dominant. Rosado closed her participation undefeated, accumulating five consecutive victories that demonstrated her excellent physical and technical preparation.
- Preliminary round: 2-1 victory against Antra Antra (India).
- Second phase: 4-2 triumph against Jemimah Wanjal (Kenya).
- Previous duel: Defeated Gabriela Eningo (Spain) 3-2.
- Semifinals: 3-1 victory against Anujin Erkhembaatara (Mongolia).
- Grand Final: Gold medal after beating Eningo 3-1.
Yolayni Rosado’s victory represents a source of national pride and cements her name alongside Dominican sports legends like Luguelín Santos and Deury Corniel, as she is one of the few athletes to achieve gold in this prestigious youth competition.
With this result, the Dominican Republic raises its total medal count to eight in the history of the Youth Olympic Games, consolidating the growth and projection of the country’s athletes on the international sports scene.
