Saly Sarr, Senegal's triple jumper, has been making waves in the athletics world with her impressive performances. Her recent victory in the Diamond League on September 4 in Brussels, with a jump of 14.96m, is a testament to her hard work and dedication. However, behind her success is a team that works tirelessly to ensure she reaches her full potential. At the heart of this team is Manirou Dembélé, a recognized athlete agent by World Athletics, who has been instrumental in shaping Sarr's career.
Dembélé's journey in athletics began as a high-level athlete himself, specializing in high jump. He represented the Senegal national team, as well as Dial Diop and As Douanes. After retiring from athletics, he transitioned into sports management, representing several prominent Senegalese athletes, including Cheikh Tidiane Diouf, Louis François Mendy, and Saly Sarr. As an agent, Dembélé's role is multifaceted, acting as a liaison between the athlete, coach, federation, competition organizers, and partners.
Dembélé's approach to managing Sarr's career is holistic, focusing on building a long-term strategy rather than just managing competitions. He works closely with Sarr and her coach, Grégory Louis Occin, to set objectives, create a coherent calendar, and ensure a balance between training, competitions, and recovery. According to Dembélé, a high-level season requires meticulous planning and anticipation. This approach has paid off, with Sarr having a remarkable 2026 season, winning the Diamond League and setting a new national record of 15.08m.
However, Dembélé acknowledges that the biggest challenge in achieving success at the highest level is securing funding. The costs associated with competing at the top level, including travel, accommodation, and medical support, are substantial. To address this, a partnership was signed on September 28, 2026, between Sonatel (Orange Senegal) and Saly Sarr, which will help support her career and provide the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.
This partnership is a significant milestone for Dembélé, as it provides Sarr with the financial security to focus on her training and competitions. He emphasizes that the high level demands serenity, and when an athlete is preoccupied with logistical concerns, it can be an additional source of pressure. With this partnership in place, Dembélé is confident that Sarr can continue to perform at her best and achieve her goals.
Looking ahead, Dembélé has set his sights on the 2027 World Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He believes that with the right support and planning, Sarr can medal at the World Championships and make a strong impression at the Olympics. To achieve this, Dembélé will continue to work closely with Sarr, ensuring that she has the necessary resources and support to succeed.
Dembélé's role in Sarr's success extends beyond the administrative and financial aspects; he also provides emotional support and guidance. As an experienced athlete himself, he understands the pressures and challenges that come with competing at the highest level. His relationship with Sarr is built on trust, and he works tirelessly to ensure that she remains focused and motivated.
Key points
- Manirou Dembélé's guidance and support have been instrumental in Saly Sarr's success.
- Dembélé's approach to managing Sarr's career focuses on long-term strategy and building a strong support team.
- A partnership between Sonatel and Saly Sarr will help support her career and provide the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.
