Two-time Olympian Lisa Barbelin named Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026

Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Barbelin has been appointed as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, joining a group of Olympians and international athletes selected to mentor and inspire young competitors at the event.

The programme has been a key part of every edition of the Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010.

“It is such an honour for me to become Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026,” said Barbelin. “I’m really excited to start and to take part in the event.”

As part of the programme, Athlete Role Models share their experience with young athletes both on and off the field of play, while also participating in workshops and educational activities during the Games.

“It means that I can explain my experience to young people. And maybe help them,” added Barbelin. “I think I could give a lot of advice to younger athletes, because I have a lot of experience in sport.”

Speaking directly to the next generation, her message is simple:

Barbelin becomes the latest representative from archery to take on the role, following Dutch Olympian Wietse Van Alten, who was appointed for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010. Other archery Athlete Role Models have included Olympic medallists Khatuna Lorig (2014) and Aida Roman (2018), along with Dutch Olympian Sjef Van Den Berg (2018).

One of the leading recurve archers of her generation, Barbelin is a two-time Olympian, having represented France at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, where she won individual bronze on home soil. She has also collected multiple medals on the Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit, including individual silver in Paris in 2023.

The 26-year-old is also a former European champion, having taken individual gold in Antalya in 2021, and helped France secure women’s team gold in Essen in 2024.

Barbelin is competing this week at the 2026 European Outdoor Championships in Antalya, Türkiye.