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The 35-year-old Ivorian sprinter has explained what is keeping her at the top level amidst competition from younger runners following an impressive show in Brussels on Friday.
Africa’s fastest woman Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith has credited her longevity to her strong faith and hard work after an impressive third place finish in 100m at the Diamond League final on Friday.
Ta Lou-Smith came into the race under immense pressure to put some smile back on her face following what has been a difficult season blighted by injuries and poor form and delivered.
The 35-year-old finished third after clocking 11.05 seconds behind St Lucian Julien Alfred, the Olympics champion, who won the race in 10.88 seconds, and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith who claimed second place in 10.92.
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22:05 - 13.09.2024
Sha'Carri Richardson flops as Julien Alfred claims bragging rights at Brussels Diamond League
Sha'Carri Richardson faltered in a highly anticipated Brussels Diamond League 100m race where many expected her to secure victory.
Few would have expected Ta Lou-Smith to finish on the podium given the season she has had and the lineup on show in Brussels, as it also included world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, Britain’s Daryll Neita, American Tamara Davis and Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye from The Gambia, who had already floored her this season.
“I am happy with the result. It was really cold to sprint, but didn´t expect to run faster tonight,” she said after the race.
“This season was really complicated for me with the injury that I had. Mentally, it wasn´t easy to come back, but I managed to do it.
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23:00 - 13.09.2024
Mary Moraa lives up to the billing as she reclaims Diamond League Trophy in style
Kisii Express was in a class of her own as she executed a great strategy to reclaim the Diamond League Trophy in Brussels on Friday.
“I´m always happy to run here in Brussels with the amazing crowd. How do I manage to stay at this level for so many years? I owe it all to my faith and the hard work that I did over the years.”
It was a race that witnessed some shocking results as Richardson finished a surprise eighth after managing 11.23 despite being one of the pre-race favourites.
Ta Lou-Smith’s campaign is not over as she still has the 200m race on Saturday and she will head into the event full of confidence even if Richardson will be keen to make amends.
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19:45 - 12.09.2024
Final moment of redemption for Africa’s fastest woman as she goes for double in Brussels
Africa’s fastest woman Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith will be out to end her difficult season in style at the season finale in Brussels but she is up against top rivals both 100m and 200m.
Besides Richardson, three other Americans in Brittany Brown, Tamara Clark and Anavia Battle are also in the race, so is her Ivorian compatriot Maboundou Kone, while Neita is joined by another British runner in Amy Hunt.
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