"I'm an African record holder, I have respect" - Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith on not being included in Netflix documentary "SPRINT"

Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith has lashed out at Netflix for not featuring her in the final cut of the Sprint docuseries after following her and recording her actions for hours. Ta Lou-Smith has competed in three editions of the Olympic Games. She set the African record time of 10.72s in the 100m in 2022.

The sprinter from Ivory Coast has etched her name as one of the most talented female athletes and won silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2017 World Championships and the 100m bronze at the 2019 edition. Even in 2023, Ta Lou-Smith came close to a podium finish.

The new Netflix docuseries, Sprint, released on July 2, 2024, didn't feature Marie Josee ta-Lou Smith in the final cut despite her story being filmed. In a post-race interview after the Diamond League final, she expressed her disappointment over the OTT platform only highlighting winning athletes and not someone who is an idol to African athletics aspirants.

"I feel really disrespected because when you say that you're going to do a series about the fastest people in the world, you show every people, you don't show only people who win.... I'm an African record holder, I have respect, people look at me, some other people from Africa see me as a role model," said the 11-time African Championships medalist. (via The Inside Lane)

Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith added:

"You don't follow people, record them for many hours, every time you just show the people who just win, this is not good...I think that this is a moment where they have to respect everyone coming from Africa, from everywhere in the world because we deserve respect. I deserve respect."

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Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith - "My strength comes from God"

Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith also spoke in October 2023 about maintaining a positive outlook and never giving up in her career. When asked about the source of her strength, she shared that praying to God helps her push through.

"My strength comes from God. Sports psychologists have been crucial in helping most athletes cope with difficult times but I am different because when things don't go well, I like to be quiet, meditate and pray. That's where I draw my vigor," said the 35-year-old (via BBC).

Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith added that she felt like giving up several times during her career but continued on her path so she could inspire African girls to fight for their dreams.