Callum Dreyer won gold in Dakar in a grueling competition in the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Senegal.
“I am so proud to have been part of Team SA and privileged, as his manager, coach and boat handler to have shared in 16-year-old Callum Dreyer’s journey to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, where he made history, winning South Africa’s first ever beach sprint rowing gold medal,” said Avlyn Gallwey
“Although unranked, Callum completely dominated the men’s solo coastal beach sprints competition, defeating Spain’s Diego Molina Martinez in the final on Saly Beach with an absolute event-best time of 2:15.65. Because this is the first time Beach Sprints have ever featured in an Olympic event, Callum is officially the first ever Olympic record holder, setting the absolute fastest time of the entire regatta during his final golden run.
“As his coach, I can tell you that he is not only an incredible athlete, but an amazing young man who absolutely blew us all away. He possesses a quiet determination, absolute calmness under extreme pressure, and a deep belief and confidence, yet he remains remarkably humble in victory, showing a maturity far beyond his years,” Gallwey added.
Also read: Callum rows to youth olympics in Senegal
She beamed, “It has been an absolute privilege to witness a local KwaZulu-Natal athlete, who only took up beach sprint rowing five months ago, blow the global competition away. We owe a massive thank you to everyone back home for the flood of love and support that carried us down the beach. A huge thank you SASCOC, ROWSA, our Team SA Management, medical staff and our Chef de Mission Sizwe for all their hard work and support.
“I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to flat-water head coach Ernie Steenkamp at Hilton College, whose foundational technical guidance masterfully prepared Callum’s precision and ‘engine’ on Midmar Dam for this elite achievement, as well as our invaluable team support network, including our male boat handler, Martin. The flawless hosting by COJO, the warmth of the Senegalese people, and the superb organisation made this an unforgettable campaign. Callum has done his country, his school, KZN Beach Sprints and our entire local community so proud.”
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