The triple Olympic gold medallist will lead a team of up to 94 athletes to the Games due to take place between October 6 and 18 next year. 

The 50-year-old Kendall is one of New Zealand's most successful athletes.

She won three Olympic medals in windsurfing, a gold at Barcelona 1992, silver at Atlanta 1996 and bronze at Sydney 2000. 

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith claimed that Kendall’s athlete focus, her ability to unite and inspire youth and her experience in numerous international leadership positions make her an ideal candidate for the role.

"Barbara knows exactly what it is like to be an athlete and she has experienced the highs and lows of competition," said Smith.

"She has coached to a high level and promoted the voice of athletes through the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission. 

"The Buenos Aires Chef de Mission role will provide an opportunity to further develop her leadership capability.

"We have no doubt that she is the ideal candidate to lead the young team to Buenos Aires and support the athletes as they gain invaluable experience competing in a major multi-sport events."

Kendall is a former member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission.

She is currently the vice-president of the International Surfing Association and a member of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Bid Advisory Board.

Kendall has been an IOC Athlete Role Model at every Summer and Winter edition of the Youth Olympic Games since they began in Singapore in 2010. 

"I feel I have a lot to give New Zealand’s top young athletes and I really understand the importance of Youth Games in a performance pathway," she said. 

"The challenges, and opportunities provided by multi-sport environments like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games can’t be underestimated. 

"The Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games will help prepare our athletes for long term success. 

"I'm excited by the opportunity to lead the New Zealand team."