p>The Swiss combination secured victory in 37.81 seconds, ahead of the USA’s Liza Tittle and Senji de Reaute, who claimed silver in 38.51 seconds. Colombia's Alejandro Gutierrez Alcocer and Villeroy van het Harteveld Z completed the podium with bronze in 38.72 seconds.

The three medallists were the only combinations to jump clear in the jump-off. It was a sensational finish to an extraordinary week of jumping, with Smits and Barentin de Rampan achieving something no other combination could match: not a single rail down throughout the entire event.

Twelve through and everything to jump for

The standard was set high from the opening round, as 12 horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear to secure their places in the jump-off, setting the stage for an exciting battle for the final Equestrian medals of Dakar 2026.

With Individual honours on the line, the pressure was on as the qualified pairs returned to the arena for one last test. This time, the poles began to fall, and the leaderboard continued to change as each horse-and-rider combination chased the fastest clear round.

Tittle produced a brilliant clear to put herself firmly in medal contention, while Gutierrez Alcocer crossed the finish line just 0.21 seconds behind to secure his place on the podium. With one final pair to jump, the drama was far from over.

Last to go, Smits entered the arena knowing exactly what was needed to take gold. After a spectacular week together, the pair had yet to knock a single rail, but one final challenge stood between them and the top step. As the Swiss combination sailed over the final fence, the crowd rose to their feet. Gold was theirs, completing an incredible week and securing a thoroughly deserved Youth Olympic title.

For Smits, the emotions of the moment were almost overwhelming, having started the competition with some doubts about his chances. "At the beginning, I wasn't particularly confident,” he said. “I told myself that I could do it, but being confident is a big thing to say. Something really changed when I completed my round without any faults. I immediately got a rush of adrenaline and felt much more confident. In the jump-off, I decided I was going to give it everything because I really wanted to win the gold medal."

Golden partnership

What makes Smits' victory even more impressive is the unique format of the Youth Olympic Games, where riders compete aboard borrowed horses they met only days before the event.

The ability to adapt quickly to Barentin de Rampan proved key to their success, with the pair forging a winning connection in just a few days. "My horse has been incredible this week," Smits said. "He is very respectful and adapts easily to whatever you ask of him. Whether you push him forward or hold him back, he manages to do what you ask. He's a really fantastic horse, and I certainly can't complain about the draw.”

A podium to remember

For silver medallist Tittle, the challenge was all about finding the right balance between speed and accuracy in a fiercely competitive jump-off.

"Seeing the course this morning, I was definitely quite nervous because everything looked very technical, especially the jump-off. I knew that if I wanted to finish on the podium, I would have to be quick. With 12 riders qualifying, I knew I would really have to go for it," she explained.

Her veteran partner, Senji de Reaute, also earned plenty of praise for his performance. "He's 20 years old, so certainly on the older side for this competition, but he performed amazingly,” Tittle said. “He covers the ground so well and is incredibly careful over the jumps."

Colombia's Gutierrez Alcocer overcame an unexpected setback before even entering the arena to claim bronze. He suffered a fall in the warm-up paddock, injuring his finger and requiring medical attention before being cleared to compete. "It was an emotional and challenging day for me. I fell in the paddock and injured my finger, which meant I had to go to the infirmary,” he said. “Despite that, I still went on to compete, jumping with my finger in less than ideal condition, and managed to win a medal.”

Olympic dreams and lasting memories

While the individual medals brought the jumping competition to a close, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games have been about much more than the results.

From meeting their borrowed horses for the first time to competing alongside riders from across the globe, the 24 participants have shared an unforgettable experience at the first Olympic sporting event held on African soil.

For Smits, the memories of Dakar will extend far beyond his gold medal. "I love Africa and would really love to come back,” he said. “I don't know whether it will be possible, but I would certainly like to have the opportunity to return one day. I'm leaving with unforgettable memories, new friends and a truly wonderful experience."

With the final Equestrian medals awarded, the curtain has come down on a historic week of jumping in Dakar, leaving behind new friendships, proud Olympic moments and a glimpse of the promising future of equestrian sport.