Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith Quotes

And the next day you see me smiling, you don't know what I'm going through because I tell myself, ‘People have other bigger problems than me.

My older brother did not want me to carry on with football, fearing that I would become a tomboy.

I am just here trying to beat my personal best, and the rest will come.

I am trying to think of me a lot this year, take care of myself and enjoy the moment…So one more race in New York and then I am off finally for honeymoon.

Even if someone say, ‘you will not make it!’, just show them that you can make it because life is not about always giving up. It's about working hard, sacrifice, and making yourself available to push your body to achieve your dreams.

Athletics is who I am today. Before, I didn’t love myself like that. With athletics, I see another part of me. It’s the only way to show what I can do.

I just want to enjoy every competition and not pressure myself with thoughts like, ‘Oh, I need to run because I need the money or something else.

And people around me said, 'You are from Africa, I don't think you will become someone. I want you to continue your studies, to work in an office'. But I felt it, because I like to run so much. This is my way.

I have been struggling after the Olympics. I didn't want to continue my season. But I did. It’s not always about winning, it's about not giving up, about giving your best every day, every time you pursue your dreams.

I have been [through] ups and downs in my career, but this year has been harder because I hard to work really hard to be here.

My results at the 2012 African Championships had made me realise that I had the potential to become an elite sprinter. Things did not work out for me [at the University] and I decided to return to Cote d'Ivoire.

Sometimes I’m in doubt, but my coach reminds me that I can do something good. So I believe in myself.

I want to be the greatest sprinter in Africa.

It gives me so much confidence. I didn’t know that doing what I’m doing could be an example for other people. You don’t need much to become a star.

Rio gave me self-confidence, experience and motivation to return to training and work hard.