PONCE INLET, Fla. — Salif Mane, a 22-year-old triple jump athlete hailing from New York, is gearing up for the Summer Olympics in Paris with the enduring inspiration of his late father, Thierno Mane, who passed away from Covid-19 in December 2019.

As Mane prepares to face off against elite athletes in the triple jump event, he finds solace and motivation in three cherished voicemails left by his father shortly before his untimely death. In these messages, Thierno imparted words of encouragement and prayers for his son’s success, words that resonate deeply with Mane to this day.

"The last voicemail from my father is what drives me the most," Mane revealed in an interview with NBC News, his voice carrying the weight of his father’s unwavering support. "When I feel down or doubt myself, hearing his voice pushes me to give my all. It’s like he’s right there with me."

Born to Senegalese immigrant parents in the Bronx, Mane’s upbringing was shaped by the hard work and sacrifices of his family. His mother, Fatou Seye, manages a hair-braiding business in the South Bronx, while his father spent over two decades as a dishwasher at a prestigious restaurant in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, commuting daily to provide for his loved ones.

"Despite not being an athlete, my father loved staying active," Mane recalled. "We’d exercise together in the mornings, go for runs, and later, when he got a bicycle, we enjoyed cycling together."

Mane's athletic journey began at age 14 at the New York Armory, where his talent quickly caught the eye of coaches. Excelling in track at Taft High School in the Bronx, he garnered attention from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s jumping coach Leroy Solomon. Mane thrived at FDU, becoming a seven-time All-American triple jumper and earning recognition as the university’s most accomplished student-athlete.

Despite the challenges of training without on-campus facilities, Mane’s determination and skill propelled him to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Graduating in May with a degree in civil engineering fulfilled a cherished dream of his father’s: ensuring his children received a college education.

Reflecting on his father’s pride, Mane remarked, "I know he would have been immensely proud of what I’ve achieved."

Mane's journey to the Olympics has seen him in the spotlight, including throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium on July 4th. Now poised for the global stage in Paris, Mane carries not just the aspirations of his family and coaches, but also the enduring spirit of his father, whose presence he feels acutely as he prepares to compete.

The men’s triple jump qualifying rounds are slated for August 7, with the final set for August 9. Mane, recognized as a formidable contender for a medal, eagerly anticipates the competition and looks forward to reconnecting with family in Paris. Throughout his journey, he holds fast to his father’s memory, knowing that when he competes, his father’s unwavering support will be with him every step of the way.

"When I step onto that field," Mane affirmed, "my father will be in my thoughts."