Ottawa, ON (October 20, 2026) – Gymnastics Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced the roster of Team Canada artistic gymnastics athletes nominated to compete at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The four athletes are:
Nikita Théodat (Montreal, QC)
Taya Macey (Halifax, NS)
Maryam Saber (Montreal, QC)
Jaydon De Silva (Calgary, AB)
2026 Canadian Junior Champion Nikita Théodat, along with Taya Macey and Maryam Saber, qualified for the Youth Olympic Games based on their Calculated All-Around scores from eligible events throughout the 2026 season. Their selection process concluded at the Pan American Championships, where Nikita and Taya helped the Canadian junior women’s team secure a silver medal. Nikita also delivered a standout performance on floor, earning the gold medal.
On the men’s side, Jaydon De Silva secured his spot on Team Canada through the virtual Youth Olympic Games selection process, held from August 17–31. The Junior 15–16 All-Around National Champion also contributed to Canada’s silver medal in the team competition at the Junior Pan American Championships, where he earned an individual bronze medal on floor.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for these talented athletes, and we applaud each of them for achieving this incredible milestone,” said Debra Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Gymnastics Canada. “We know they will represent Canada proudly at the Games”.
Gymnastics will take place November 5–12 at the Dakar Expo Centre.
Team Canada’s gymnastics team for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games also includes the following:
Alternate Athletes
Mackenzie Grant (Ottawa, ON) – Alternate Athlete (Non-Travelling)
Eden Belay (Toronto, ON) – Alternate Athlete (Non-Travelling)
Emily Kim (Port Coquitlam, BC) – Alternate Athlete (Non-Travelling)
Coaches
Quentin Midrouillet (Montreal, QC) – WAG Team Coach
Scott Rayment (Calgary, AB) – MAG Coach
Judges
Ivy Lu (Montreal, QC) – WAG Judge
Brad Earl (Calgary, AB) – MAG Judge
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are the world’s largest multi-sport event for high-performance young athletes aged 15–18. Dakar 2026 will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, and will feature 2,700 athletes. Dakar 2026 will be the fourth edition of the Summer YOG and the first in Africa. It will have a fully gender-balanced sporting program and will feature 25 competition sports in addition to 10 engagement sports.
Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.
Media Contacts
Sara-Maude Duchêne, Coordinator, Communications & Events
Gymnastics Canada
C: 418-208-5157
E:
Tara MacBournie, Associate Manager, Sport Communications
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-522-8328