NZ Team finalise Dakar 2026 selections

August Xiao

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has finalised selection of the New Zealand Team for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with three athletes selected in windsurfing and table tennis. 

Honor Fyfe has been selected in the Women’s Windsurfing event. 

New Zealand Olympic Committee Chief Executive Nicki Nicol said New Zealand has a proud history of success on the water in Olympic sport.  

"New Zealand athletes have consistently achieved on the water across generations and we're excited to see Honor continue that tradition at the Youth Olympic Games. She has earned this opportunity through her commitment and performances and we look forward to seeing her represent the New Zealand Team in Dakar," said Nicol. 

In table tennis, Anzhuo (Angel) Han has been selected in the Women’s Singles and August Xiao in the Men’s Singles.  

Nicol congratulated all three athletes selected across the final two sports for Dakar 2026. 

"Congratulations to Honor, Angel and August on their selection to the New Zealand Team. To represent New Zealand at a Youth Olympic Games is a significant achievement and recognition of their commitment to their chosen sports. We know they will embrace the experience and we look forward to welcoming them into the New Zealand Team," said Nicol. 

Han said she was excited to have the opportunity to compete against her peers from across the globe. 

"I'm really excited and proud to be selected for the Youth Olympic Games. It's a reward for the hard work I've put in over many years and I'm looking forward to competing against some of the best young players in the world, gaining experience and making New Zealand proud," said Han. 

After previously being selected in Skateboarding for Dakar 2026, Jessica Ready will not be attending the Youth Olympic Games. 

The latest athletes joining the New Zealand Team for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games:   

Windsurfing 

Honor Fyfe - Women’s Windsurfing 

Table Tennis 

Anzhuo (Angel) Han - Women’s Singles 

August Xiao - Men’s Singles 

Both athletes have also been granted permission to compete in the Mixed Doubles event. 

Joining previously selected athletes for Dakar 2026: 

Badminton 

Amy Wang - Women’s Singles 

Tony Yu - Men’s Singles 

Triathlon 

Matthew More - Men’s Individual Triathlon 

Artistic Gymnastics 

Ella Thomas - Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Individual All-Around 

William Davies - Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Individual All-Around 

Both Ella Thomas and William Davies have also been granted permission to compete in the Artistic Gymnastics Mixed Team Event. 

Wushu 

Amber Zhou 

Wrestling 

Wairangi Sargent - Men’s 70kg Beach Wrestling 

Swimming 

Alyssa Lawson - Women’s 100m Freestyle 

Ariel Muchirahondo - Men’s 200m Backstroke 

Archery 

Ella Yang - Women’s Individual Recurve 

Thornton Wallberg - Men’s Individual Recurve 

Permission to compete in the Mixed Team Recurve event (both athletes). 

Fencing 

Bowie Wang - Women’s Individual Foil 

Boxing 

Lea Newman - Women’s 51kg 

Huriwaka Dean - Men’s 50kg 

Equestrian 

Sofia Williams - Individual Jumping 

NZ Team non-travelling reserves: 

Table Tennis 

Yelena Yi - Women’s Singles  

Eli Ho - Men’s Singles  

Badminton 

Josephine Zhao - Women’s Singles 

Yanxi Liu - Women’s Singles 

Larry Li - Men’s Singles 

Lucas Qin - Men’s Singles 

Triathlon 

Jackson Pinique - Men’s Individual Triathlon 

Swimming 

Te Rauroha Paki - Men’s 200m Backstroke 

Madeleine Wilson - Women’s 100m Freestyle 

SHARE