Africa's fastest woman return date set against track titans Daryll Neita & Clayton Tia in Diamond League duel

Marie-Josée Ta Lou of Ivory Coast and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica compete at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

Africa's fastest woman return date set against track titans Daryll Neita & Clayton Tia in Diamond League duel

Festus Chuma 15:47 - 19.08.2024

The Ivorian sprinter has staged a comeback at the Lausanne Diamond League against top sprinters Neita and Clayton.

At long last a return is in view for Africa's fastest woman Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith.

After a heart-wrenching performance at the Paris Olympics, where she suffered a severe injury, finishing last in the 100m dash with a time of 13.84 seconds, the Ivorian sprinter is making a surprising comeback.

Despite her challenges, including mixed results leading up to the Olympics and complaints of leg problems, Ta Lou-Smith is now confirmed to race in the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League.

In Paris, pain overshadowed Ta Lou-Smith’s sprint, ending not just her 100m aspirations but also preventing her from competing in the 200m heats.

The Lausanne event promises stiff competition as it draws a stellar cast of athletes, including some whom Ta Lou-Smith faced at the Olympic final.

Notably, British sprinter Daryll Neita, Swiss star Mujinga Kambundji, and Jamaican speedster Tia Clayton will be among the elite sprinters lining up against her.

Dina Asher-Smith from Great Britain is another contender, with a season-best of 10.96 seconds. She is slightly edged by her personal best of 10.83 seconds, demonstrating her potential to lead the pack.

Close on her heels is Tia Clayton from Jamaica, whose consistency is marked by matching personal and season-best times of 10.86 seconds.

American sprinter Tamari Davis is also in the race entering with a season-best that ties her personal best at 10.91 seconds.

Meanwhile, Mujinga Kambundji is a strong contender with a season-best of 10.90 seconds, just a hair away from her best of 10.89 seconds.

Germany’s Gina Luckenkemper aims to improve upon her season best of 11.04 seconds, closely chasing her personal best of 10.95 seconds.

Daryll Neita is another key athlete to watch, her times hovering around the 10.92-second mark.

Lastly, Patrizia Van Der Weken from Luxembourg, with a consistent personal and season best of 11.00 seconds, completes this impressive list of participants.

Each sprinter's presence intensifies the anticipation of a race that promises not just speed but strategic depth and resilience.

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