Losaba gets a taste of the big time – and loves it!

Molemo Losaba came through the toughest test of his career so far with flying colours at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Despite being eliminated after the skateboarding heats, the 17-year-old spoke with pride about the experience of being in Dakar as a member of Team South Africa.

“I am very happy with my performance. I was nervous over the past few days and I was worried I would not be able to compete well, but I was not far off the top six and I think I put my best effort in.”

The young skater from Soweto competed for the first time in a qualifier for these Youth Olympics. He finished 10th with a score of 109.85 and wants more.

“I would love to compete in more tournaments and championships in the future. I love this sport and I have learned so much from this competition. It has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and this is an opportunity I never would have dreamt of back in Soweto.”

Losaba went on to reflect on his time in Dakar: “It has been an incredible experience. I have loved getting to know people from around the world. I have been exchanging pins and learning about different cultures. There have been many lessons I have learnt here, but the biggest lesson has been to open myself up to people and opportunities more than before. I believe this will make me a stronger skater and a stronger person in person. I am very grateful to Team South Africa for this adventure and I hope to compete for my country in the future again.”

Despite not qualifying for the final round, Losaba’s presence in the event was felt. The quiet skater was the only African competing in the men’s skateboarding and in the mix zone, journalists from across the continent swarmed to interview him. Losaba patiently took every question with a smile on his face. He won the hearts of all in the crowd and made history in Dakar.

The only other South African athlete competing on Wednesday was swimmer Eric Kotze.

He made the finals of both the 50m freestyle and butterfly but came up short in his chase for a medal as he finished eighth in the freestyle (23.76) and fifth in the butterfly (24.77).