2024 Olympic Games African Star Athlete: Marie-Josee Ta Lou

Cote d’Ivoire sprinter Marie-Josee Ta Lou will look to cap off a brilliant career by claiming a first medal when she competes in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

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The 35-year-old is approaching the end of her time in top-tier athletics and the only medal she is missing is one from the Olympics, having secured honours at the World Championships, World Indoor Championships, African Championships, All-Africa Games and Continental Games.

Often dubbed ‘Africa’s Fastest Woman’, Ta Lou has emphasised that she is determined to shine in Paris in the Women’s 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay.

“Objective podium! Objective medal, gold medal,” she exclaimed. “I'm aiming for a place on the podium and a gold medal. Because I don't want to leave my last Olympic Games without a medal. I know that with the individual races, and the women's 4x100m relay, we're going to give 100 percent to get there.”

Ta Lou has had to deal with setbacks in her career, including a disappointing showing at the Tokyo 2020 Games, as well as the severe disappointment of a fourth-place finish in the 100m at last year’s World Championships in Budapest – where she was ranked amongst the favourites for gold.

"When I participated in the 2016 Rio Games, which were my first Olympics, I had hoped to make it to the final, and so finishing in fourth place was a great experience," she explained.

"Unfortunately, the 2020 Olympic Games turned out to be a disaster that I would rather forget. But out of all the disappointments, [the 2023 World Championships] loss hurts the most. I had felt completely prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally, and everything was within my control. But despite my best efforts, it just didn't happen.”

Yet success on the track is not the only measure by which Ta Lou finds a sense of fulfilment, as she continues to be an inspiration for all Africans looking to make their way in the world of athletics.

“Sometimes I feel like my calling is different and way bigger than always being on the podium," she said. "It's about the hope I give to people to keep trying and about the legacy that I want to leave behind. I know there are people beyond athletics who see themselves through me in their daily struggles.

"I want people to see my battles and draw inspiration to keep pushing on and follow their dreams, Trying and getting desired results can take a toll on our human nature. I hope I can be a real reflection of that never-give-up spirit.”

And Ta Lou certainly won’t give up on her dream of winning a medal when the Women’s 100m and 200m sprint finals are held at Stade de France on the evenings of Saturday 3 August and Tuesday 6 August respectively – LIVE on SuperSport.

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