Marie Josée Ta Lou: "Olympic gold in Paris for my final Games"

Sport News Africa : How are you feeling with just a few months to go before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?Marie Josée Ta Lou : I feel good. I'm working steadily, without pressure. I'm taking it bit by bit. Then I'll step it up, that's for sure.

And how is your preparation going?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : Right now, preparation is going well. I'm in a good rhythm with the coach. For the moment, it's the physical phase, meaning endurance work. We're not yet at the speed phase over 100 and 200 m. As long as you feel no discomfort or physical niggles, you can only be pleased. I'm enjoying every moment.

Are there any competitions lined up as preparation ahead of the Olympics?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : Yes, several in fact. We should have a relay meet on 20 April in Los Angeles in the USA. There are also the World Relays in the Bahamas from 4 to 6 May 2024. The aim at that competition is to finish in the top 8, which means qualification for the Olympic Games. After that, we return to Abidjan on 8 June 2024 for an athletics meet with the Ivorian Athletics Federation. Then we fly out for the African Athletics Championships, scheduled for Cameroon. We will finish our preparation in Europe.

 

"I'll try to break new records to prove I'm still on the right track"

 

You are currently the fastest woman on the African continent. With your latest records, isn't it extra pressure ahead of the upcoming continental contests?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : No, not at all. I really gave my very best to achieve them. In fact, I see these records as a source of motivation, because when you put pressure on yourself, it stops you performing. I'll try to break new records to prove I'm still on the right track.

Will Paris 2024 be your last Olympics?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : Yes (laughs). I keep saying it in all my recent interviews. I've made it clear that the Paris 2024 Olympics will be my last, but you never know. If God gives me the strength, we'll see. Otherwise, at 35, you have to make the right decision, especially when you have a family to provide for. When the time comes to call it a day, you also do it to make room for the young ones.

What is your main goal at the Olympics?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : I don't need to think about it. I have the answer straight away. In Paris, I'm aiming for gold, no hesitation. I've already reached semi-finals, so the next step is clearly gold.

How is your life as a couple?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : My married life is going wonderfully well. My man has been by my side since the end of 2019. He is a great help in my career. It's partly thanks to his support that I keep breaking record after record. Marriage brings stability, and that shows in the results when you're a top-level athlete.

A word for all Ivorians, your first supporters?

Marie Josée Ta Lou : We're asking them to show the same enthusiasm that the Elephants footballers enjoyed during the AFCON. May they pray for us and be behind all the Ivorian athletes who will be at Paris 2024.

Interview by Sanh SEVERIN