FIRST MEDAL FOR SERBIA AT THE YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES: Aleksej Kalanj Wins Silver in the 100m Butterfly!

Young Serbian swimmer Aleksej Kalanj won the silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, thus securing Serbia’s first medal at this year’s competition.

The Youth Olympic Games were officially opened in Senegal’s capital under the slogan “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” and this edition holds special historical significance as the Olympic competition is being held on the African continent for the first time.

Kalanj claimed second place in an exceptionally fast and closely contested final. The gold medal went to Egypt’s Zain Ali, who finished the race in 52.16 seconds, while the bronze was won by Slovakia’s Matyáš Krištof.

“I am very proud of winning silver, and the race was exceptionally fast,” Kalanj said after winning the medal.

At the opening ceremony, Serbia’s flag was carried by swimmer Lena Begenišić and judoka Nemanja Simić.

Serbia is represented at this year’s Games by nine young athletes competing in eight sports, with the competitions running until November 13. Around 2,700 young athletes from all over the world are taking part in Dakar.

Kalanj’s silver medal marks an excellent start for the Serbian team and provides a major boost to the other young national team members, who will be competing for more medals in the coming days.