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The two-time world silver medallist has opened up about the motivation behind her 14 years if running and how she wants to leave behind a rich legacy.
Africa’s fastest woman Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith has opened up about the motivation behind running for many years and why she feels blessed despite facing a few setbacks in her career.
Ta Lou-Smith told Olympics.com that she has very loyal fans who are always willing to stand by her side whether she is winning or losing races. The Ivorian sprinter added that she can’t afford to give up on herself since she also wants to prove haters wrong.
The 35-year-old has been in the game for 14 years and has managed to keep the fire burning throughout her career, thanks to her hard work, sacrifice and showing up when it matters without fail. She is always motivated by the legacy she wants to leave behind, insisting that she wants to inspire upcoming athletes to not giving up.
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08:22 - 20.09.2024
'Africa is coming to show the world'- Africa's fastest woman weighs in on women's sprinting on the continent
Veteran sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith has insisted that there is a lot of sprinting talent in African women and it's just a matter of when they will show the whole world their capabilities.
“I would say I'm blessed because, whether I win a medal or not, people keep sending me positive messages that keep me going, and I really appreciate it. Seeing messages like, ‘Oh, you are a true inspiration…we look up to you because you do not give up,’ motivates me. I know that sometimes I finish fourth and don’t make the podium, but I keep showing up,” Ta Lou-Smith said.
“The legacy I leave behind is what motivates me, along with my love for the sport and inspiring others not to give up. Even if someone says, ‘You will not make it!’, just show them that you can make it because life is not about always giving up. It's about working hard, sacrificing, and making yourself available to push your body to achieve your dreams,” she added.
Ta Lou-Smith also opened up about her passion for maintaining a positive mindset and as she heads for her final race of the season, Athlos, Alex Ohanian’s women-only event scheduled for September 26, she will be out to end her season on a high.
She added that putting money out of the equation in her competitions has enabled her to enjoy her outings and focus on having fun. Her main focus remains on bettering her times and with that, Ta Lou-Smith remains confident that the rest will follow.
“I just want to enjoy every competition and not pressure myself with thoughts like, ‘Oh, I need to run because I need the money or something else.’ When I started, my coach at the time, who is no longer alive, told me not to rush after money,” Ta Lou-Smith said.
“He said, ‘Let your work and results speak for themselves, and they will give you what you need,’” she said, referring to her long-time former coach Anthony Koffi, who passed away last year. I am just here trying to beat my personal best, and the rest will come.”
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16:48 - 18.09.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala reveals how intends to bounce back in a major way next season
Ferdinand Omanyala is putting in place plans to ensure he has a successful 2025 season after his topsy-savvy 2024 campaign.
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