Shan strikes fencing gold for Canada at Youth Olympics

Simon Shan struck gold in fencing as Canada added three medals Wednesday at the Youth Olympic Games.

The West Vancouver, B.C., native defeated Serbia's Vukan Radjenovic 15-9 in the men's epee final to claim Canada's first gold of the Games.

Shan, 16, entered the competition having won silver at the 2026 world cadet championships and bronze at the 2025 event.

In boxing, 17-year-old Mehreen Khakh of Kitchener, Ont., and 17-year-old Lisandro Garcia Rebelo of Mississauga, Ont., earned bronze in the women's 51-kilogram and men's 55-kilogram divisions, respectively.

Africa is about to host its first-ever Olympic sporting event

Canada now has five medals in Dakar after 17-year-old Anes Mati of Anjou, Que., won silver in judo and 14-year-old Evie Pritchard of Nanaimo, B.C., earned bronze in skateboarding during the first week of competition.

Canada sent 28 athletes to the Games, the first Olympic event held in Africa, which conclude Friday.