Olivia Sánchez Moral, heading to Dakar as Spain’s sole sailing representative at the Youth Olympic Games

Olivia Sánchez Moral is facing one of the biggest challenges of her sporting career. The young windsurfer, who is based in Tarifa and is a member of the Club Náutico Sevilla, will represent Spain at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, becoming the only Spanish representative in sailing at this edition of the Games.

At just 15 years old, Olivia arrives at the Olympic event backed by an extraordinary international track record. She will compete in the women’s Under-17 Techno 293 class, with the races taking place from 8 to 12 November in the waters off Saly, Senegal.

A track record of international success

The Andalusian sailor has built up an exceptional track record since her earliest competitions. A two-time world and European champion in the Under-15 category, she took another step forward this season by winning the bronze medal at the 2026 Techno World Championships held in Turkey, now competing in the Under-17 category.

Her consistent performances at major international events and her lead in the national rankings were decisive in securing Spain’s place in Dakar, where she will face the challenge of competing for medals against the world’s best young sailors.

A season that confirms her progress

Her international success has been accompanied by outstanding domestic results. Olivia was crowned Spanish women’s champion and overall runner-up in the Techno Under-17 category in La Palma, finishing just one point behind her teammate Curro Simbad Llorca, the overall winner of the championship.

Her talent also extends to other wind sports disciplines. In May, she claimed victory in the girls’ Under-17 category at the X-15 WingFoil Racing Series in Portimão, demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest level in both windsurfing and wingfoiling.

Olivia Sánchez’s Olympic dream

After years of preparation, training and competitions, the young sailor is approaching the Dakar with enthusiasm and ambition, aware of the privilege of representing Spain at an Olympic event.

Olivia’s participation in Dakar marks a new milestone for Andalusian windsurfing and for the sporting talent pool linked to the Strait of Gibraltar. A generation of young sailors continues to make its mark on the major international stages.