November 10, 2026
Lebanese swimmer Tia Obaid achieved an unprecedented historical achievement for Lebanese sports, after winning the silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke, in the “Dakar 2026” Youth Olympic Games.
This coronation is a milestone in the history of sports in Lebanon. Obaid became the first Lebanese swimmer to win a medal in the history of the Youth Olympic Games, and the second among all Lebanese participants in these competitions, following the bronze medal achieved by Taekwondo player Michel Samaha in the Singapore Games in 2010.
Obaid began her career in the championship with a remarkably strong performance, as she topped the qualifying rounds with a time of 31.98 seconds, before clinching second place and the silver medal in the final race with a time of 32 seconds, behind Japanese swimmer Mana Ishikawa, who won gold, recording 31.76 seconds. Her excellence was not limited to the 50-meter distance, but extended to the final of the 100-meter breaststroke, where she came in fifth place, recording a time of 1:12.53 minutes, thus achieving her personal best in this race.
These distinguished results acquire exceptional dimensions due to the strength and volume of international competition in the Youth Olympic Forum, which reflects the high readiness and great competitiveness of Lebanese swimming in the face of the most prominent international talents within its age group.
With this achievement, Tia Obaid opened new horizons for the sport of swimming in Lebanon, confirming the ability of local talents to reach international podiums when the appropriate support and opportunities for development and competition are available. As the curtain falls on this successful participation, attention turns to the next stations in the Lebanese champion’s career, especially her ambitions to improve her numbers and prepare to compete to qualify for the main Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
