Monaco’s Valentine Platini has finished 15th in the individual show jumping final at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, bringing her first Olympic competition to a close at the Equestrian Centre in Diamniadio on Friday.
The 16-year-old and her horse, Élite Longane, completed the final course with four penalty points in a competitive field of the 24 young riders who began the event.
Switzerland’s Mike Smits claimed the gold medal after producing a faultless performance in the jump-off, finishing in 37.81 seconds. American rider Liza Tittle secured silver in 38.51 seconds, while Colombia’s Alejandro Gutiérrez Alcocer took bronze with a time of 38.72 seconds. All three finished without penalties in the decisive round.
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Platini had made an encouraging start to the competition earlier in the week, qualifying for the final with a clear round in the opening stage. Only four competitors from the original field of 24 managed that achievement.
Her participation marks an important international experience for the young Monegasque rider, competing at an edition of the Youth Olympic Games that is historic as the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil.
Although she missed out on a medal, reaching the individual final represents a notable achievement in her first Olympic appearance and provides valuable experience for her future equestrian career.
Image courtesy of FEI/Kirsty Pasto
