The two-time world silver medallist has reflected on the personal challenges after the Paris Olympic Games and revealed the support system that shaped her journey back to the track.
Africa’s fastest woman, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith, has opened up about the struggles she had to endure after the Paris Olympic Games as she detailed what influenced her comeback journey.
At the Olympic Games, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith recorded a did not start in the 200m after getting injured after the women’s 100m, where she finished a distant eighth place.
The Ivorian sprinter then went ahead to compete in a series of Diamond League Meetings before winning the Grand Prix Lombardia.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
)
10:30 - 09.06.2025
Trayvon Bromell Reveals What He Will Work on Following Dominant Rome Win Amid Stellar Kishane Thompson Response
Trayvon Bromell delivered a mind-blowing 9.84 seconds run at the Rome Diamond League classic last Friday, but is not resting on his laurels amid stiff competition from the likes of Kishane Thompson, Noah Lyles and Akani Simbine.
She completed the podium in the women’s 100m at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels before ending the season at Alexis Ohanian’s women-only event, winning the women’s 100m.
In 2025, she started her season with the 100m and 200m races at the PURE Athletics Global Invitational before competing at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome.
Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith: After the Olympics, I was Really Down
)
Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith revealed that she took time off after the Olympic Games and walked with God during that time.
The two-time world silver medallist noted that she also went on vacation before resuming training in December. However, at the time, things were not going as she intended.
)
19:08 - 31.05.2025
'We Are Correcting Mistakes' - Ferdinand Omanyala Breaks Silence After Kip Keino Classic Defeat
Ferdinand Omanyala rounded up the podium in the men's 100m race at the Kip Keino Classic.
Ta Lou-Smith revealed that she travelled to the US and got more serious in training, before competing in her first race of the season.
“Everyone knows that after the Olympics, I was really really down. I have been down all the time, but this one was really bad to the point where I took a two-week break with God, you see, a two-week break with God,” Ta Lou-Smith revealed in an interview on the Inside Lane.
“For people who know me, they know how much I love God, and I'm a prayer warrior. Then I came back and went on vacation in November.
“Then we came back to training in December, but I was not really on it, and then I went back to America in March because that’s when I got my spark back.”
Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith: I Must Say I Have a Great Husband
)
Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith added that her Trinidadian husband, Jay Smith, has been very supportive in her career, and with him around, she has managed to go through a lot of her struggles with ease.
She disclosed that her husband has decided to put his career on a halt, adding that he will resume with his normal activities once Ta Lou-Smith hangs up her spikes.
Ta Lou-Smith revealed that she spends most of her time travelling and her husband has always been by her side all through.
“Wow, I must say that I have a great husband. My husband is really exceptional. Someone who leaves everything and says he's going to follow me everywhere I'm going because my career is not easy,” she admitted.
)
13:45 - 09.06.2025
Elaine Thompson-Herah Teases Comeback One Year After Injury Setback
Elaine Thompson-Herah has hinted at a comeback exactly a year after her last race and injury setback.
“You run, you’re travelling everywhere, and then you live in Trinidad. I was in Ivory Coast, now I'm in LA, so it will be hard for us, and you know how much I always need support with me.
“So, he said, you know what, I'm going to leave everything and follow you and then when you finish your career, I will start mine. He is a great support, someone who I pray with every time, and I have a chance to have a good coach who is there.”
She added that her family, including her mother and brothers, have been very supportive throughout her career.
Ta Lou-Smith further pointed out that her friends and online fans have always been there for her, and it is something she does not take for granted.