With just a few months to go before the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Laurence Kouakou is embarking on a multi-stage journey: to shine at the national championships, qualify for the Gabriel Tiacoh Meeting, and then meet the minimum standards required to secure her place in Dakar.
With just a few months to go until the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 31 October to 13 November 2026, Laurence Kouakou is emerging as one of the key figures to watch in Ivorian athletics. A specialist in the 100m and 200m, the sprinter approaches this event with ambition and a clear-headed approach. Already a national champion in the 100m and runner-up in the 200m, she has a solid foundation from which to aim higher. This season therefore looks set to be a turning point in her young career. Balancing performance demands with managing the pressure, she intends to reach a new level.
“I’m preparing very well for the national championships and I intend to qualify and beat my record from last year. I’m still working on it and I hope it pays off this season.”
Laurence N’goran Kouakou, 100m and 200m athlete – Côte d’Ivoire
To achieve her goals, Laurence Kouakou is relying on rigorous and progressive preparation. Her first challenge will be the national championships, a crucial step in confirming her status and establishing herself among the best. A successful performance would then open the doors to the Gabriel Tiacoh Meeting, a major athletics event in Côte d’Ivoire. This meeting represents a strategic opportunity to improve her times and compete at a high level. This series of competitions is a necessary step in her quest for qualification.
“To meet the qualifying standards for the Dakar Games. My aim is to give it my all and win a gold medal.”
Laurence N’goran Kouakou, 100m and 200m athlete – Côte d’Ivoire
The determined Ivorian sprinter is making her ambitions for this decisive season abundantly clear. Her goal is unequivocal: to meet the qualifying standards and secure her place at Dakar. Beyond qualification, Laurence Kouakou is aiming for a top-class performance on the continental stage. These ambitions reflect the mindset of an athlete striving for excellence and ready to defend the Ivorian colours.
