Saly Sarr receives backing from Senegal sports minister

Saly Sarr has received an assurance of support from Senegal’s Sports Minister, Djirèye Clotilde Coly, following the athlete’s historic run in the triple jump. The minister met Sarr and pledged assistance from her department as the champion’s achievements continue to draw national attention.

Sarr secured the Diamond League title in Brussels two weeks ago with a 14.96-metre effort. That victory made her the first Senegalese athlete to win the competition, after she defeated the leading specialists in the event.

The result capped a strong season for the reigning African champion. At the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra, Sarr retained her continental triple-jump crown, adding to the title she won in Douala in 2024.

Her performances have led to calls for recognition on the scale given to Senegal’s football team after its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. There have also been appeals for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to receive and reward the athlete. The minister’s meeting marks official support for Sarr after a season in which she combined continental success with Senegal’s first Diamond League victory.