Yorkshire Olympic great Alistair Brownlee OBE is expanding his portfolio of roles post athletics career by taking on a big new role for Team GB.

The two-time Olympic triathlon champion has been named as Chef de Mission for the British delegation headed to the Youth Olympics in Dakar later this year.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes for what will be the first Olympic sporting event ever to be held in Africa.

Team GB will be represented across seven sports - archery, badminton, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, rowing and sailing – with all athletes aged 17 or under.

Alistair Brownlee competing at the Triathlon World Series in Leeds in 2019. Later this year he will serve as Chef de Mission for Team GB's Youth Olympic team (Picture: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Alistair Brownlee competing at the Triathlon World Series in Leeds in 2019. Later this year he will serve as Chef de Mission for Team GB's Youth Olympic team (Picture: Tony Johnson)

The Youth Olympics have provided stepping stones for the likes of Tom Daley and Duncan Scott in the past.

Brownlee – who competed in three Olympics – has been busy working with various sporting projects and ventures since bringing the curtain down on his competitive career in November 2024.

The 38-year-old from Leeds - who was also a two-time world champion, four-time European and one-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist - said: “It's a huge honour to be appointed Chef de Mission for Dakar 2026.

“Some of the most important moments in my own career came when I was a young athlete, and it was the people I met during that time who had the biggest impact on my career.

Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee with the Queen's Baton Relay on stage in Millennium Square in 2022 (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

“They helped shape far more than just performances; teaching you how to step onto a bigger stage, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and take away lessons that stay with you for the rest of your career.

“For many on this team, this will be their first experience of a multi-sport Games and an important step in their sporting careers.

“It’s a real privilege to be supporting the athletes, and helping ensure they enjoy the experience, perform at their best and make the most of every opportunity.

“Representing Team GB is special at any level, and Dakar will be a brilliant chance for these athletes to take that next step on their sporting journey.”