At the ongoing World Championships, Ta Lou finished fourth behind Fraser-Pryce in the women's 100m final race.
Ivorian Sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou headed to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary with the hope of clinching a medal but unfortunately missed out, a major setback for her.
Ta Lou finished fourth in 10.81 behind Jamaica’s Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce who clocked 10.77. USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson carried the day after clocking 10.65 to cross the finish line first as another Jamaican, Shericka Jackson finished second in 10.72.
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After the performance, Ta Lou seemed to be contemplating her chances at next year’s Olympic Games but disclosed that Fraser-Pryce encouraged her not to give up on her dream.
“After the race, Fraser-Pryce said that she wants to see me in Paris and she doesn’t want to hear anything else. She told me that our faith should be above anything else.
She told me to trust God because He works differently. But honestly, she gave me some very encouraging words…she is my sister!!,” Ta Lou said in an interview.
She added that Richardson and Jackson also motivated her to keep going despite the challenges that she is bound to face.
Ta Lou added that the encouraging words from her fans also helped her to bounce back smoothly and keep going since she had no option. The motivation saw her extend her prowess in the 200m in the Hungarian capital.
She was in action for the Heats where she finished second in 22.26 and successfully proceeded to the semifinal.
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“On Monday and Tuesday, I was really down but God has restored my energy. Seeing the comments and the support from my fans and country people helped me bounce back.
"There was no time to give up. I am here doing what I am supposed to do. Be able to run again and be able to give 200% of myself,” she added.