Kenya’s under-18 women’s rugby sevens team, the Rising Lionesses, made history after winning gold at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The young Kenyan players defeated Australia in a dramatic final that went into sudden-death extra time after the two sides were locked at 12-12 at the final whistle.
The decisive moment came in extra time, when Kenya found a way through the Australian defence to score the winning try and secure the gold medal.
The victory marked Kenya’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in a team sport. It also made the country the first African nation to win a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or the Youth Olympic Games.
Kenya’s journey to the final had not been straightforward. The Rising Lionesses had suffered a 17-5 defeat to Australia during the pool stage, leaving them with a challenge to overcome if they were to claim the title.
The team responded by regrouping and producing strong performances in their remaining matches. They started with a 12-5 victory over China before recording an emphatic 19-0 win against hosts Senegal.
Their momentum continued in the semi-finals, where they beat Madagascar 15-5 to book a place in the gold medal match against Australia.
The final brought the two sides together again, but this time the Kenyan youngsters delivered when it mattered most, turning their earlier pool-stage loss into a historic triumph.
Celebrations followed the final whistle as the players embraced after securing the country's landmark achievement. The Kenyan national anthem played during the medal ceremony, creating an emotional moment for supporters watching the team make history in Dakar.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya celebrated the achievement in a Facebook post, describing it as the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal in a team sport.
“Kenya has made history!! Our first-ever Olympic gold medal in a team sport! The Rising Lionesses have done it!” the committee stated.
The victory placed the young players among Kenya’s notable sporting achievers and marked a major milestone for women's rugby in the country.
LINK: https://www.tuko.co.ke/sports/645542-kenyas-rising-lionesses-history-maiden-olympic-team-gold-beating-australia/
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