Valentine Platini secures place in youth Olympic show jumping final

Monaco’s Valentine Platini has made an impressive start to her first Olympic competition, qualifying for the individual show jumping final at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after producing a faultless round on Tuesday, November 3.

The 16-year-old completed the opening qualifying course without penalties at the Equestrian Centre in Diamniadio, Senegal, placing her among just four riders from the 24-strong field to achieve a clear round.

Competing in unfamiliar surroundings and riding a horse allocated by the organisers, Platini delivered a composed performance despite the pressure of making her Olympic debut. She was partnered with Élite Longane, having had only a limited period to establish a connection with the horse before the competition.

Her clear round puts her in contention for the individual title, with the final scheduled for Friday, November 6.

The result is an encouraging milestone for the young Monegasque rider, who is representing the Principality at an edition of the Youth Olympic Games that is historic in its own right. Dakar 2026 is the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil.

Platini will also compete in the mixed continental team event on Thursday, November 5, joining riders from Sweden, Switzerland and Russia to represent Europe.

Her performance provides Monaco with an encouraging start to its equestrian campaign, as the young rider looks to build on her opening success in the days ahead.