Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith
From a childhood running on dirt roads to becoming Africa's fastest woman, her speed has redefined Ivorian athletics on the world stage.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Ivorian sprinter·Birthday: November 18·Millennials
Biography
Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith's story is one of relentless pursuit, forged on the dusty tracks of her native Côte d'Ivoire. Her talent, evident from youth, propelled her onto the international circuit where she steadily chipped away at the continent's records. The 2016 Rio Olympics delivered heartbreak with two fourth-place finishes, but that near-miss steeled her resolve. She answered with a stunning performance at the 2017 World Championships, claiming silver in both the 100m and 200m, announcing her arrival among the global elite. Her career is a testament to perseverance, culminating in her shattering the African 100m record in 2022, a time that stands as a new continental benchmark. Beyond the times, she carries the flag for a generation of African sprinters, proving that with grit, the podium is within reach.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marie was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won silver medals in both the 100m and 200m at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
- Set the African record in the women's 100m with a time of 10.72 seconds in 2022.
- Became a two-time Olympian, representing Côte d'Ivoire at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games.
Did You Know?
She is married to Canadian track and field athlete Michael Smith and uses the hyphenated name Ta Lou-Smith.
Before focusing fully on athletics, she was a talented handball player in her youth.
She holds a degree in biochemistry from the Institut National de la Jeunesse et des Sports in Abidjan.
“I want to show the young girls in Africa that it is possible to become a world-class sprinter coming from our continent.”
