Africa's fastest woman return date set against track titans Daryll Neita & Clayton Tia in Diamond League duel

At long last, a return is in view for Africa’s fastest woman, Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith.

After a heart-wrenching performance at the Paris Olympics, where she suffered a severe injury, finishing last in the 100m dash with a time of 13.84 seconds, the Ivorian sprinter is making a surprising comeback.

Despite her challenges, including mixed results leading up to the Olympics and complaints of leg problems, Ta Lou-Smith is now confirmed to race in the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League.

The Ivorian sprinter went into the Paris Olympics with hopes of ending her medal drought but her dreams were dashed in the most painful fashion on Saturday.

In Paris, pain overshadowed Ta Lou-Smith’s sprint, ending not just her 100m aspirations but also preventing her from competing in the 200m heats.

The Lausanne event promises stiff competition as it draws a stellar cast of athletes, including some whom Ta Lou-Smith faced at the Olympic final.

Notably, British sprinter Daryll Neita, Swiss star Mujinga Kambundji, and Jamaican speedster Tia Clayton will be among the elite sprinters lining up against her.

The Paris Olympics has faced criticism for not providing an equal presentation for the Women's 100m finals compared to the Men's.

Dina Asher-Smith from Great Britain is another contender, with a season-best of 10.96 seconds. She is slightly edged by her personal best of 10.83 seconds, demonstrating her potential to lead the pack.

Close on her heels is Tia Clayton from Jamaica, whose consistency is marked by matching personal and season-best times of 10.86 seconds.

Youngster Emmanuel Wanyonyi looks to extend his winning streak to the Diamond League Meeting but faces a stern test, going up against strong challengers.

American sprinter Tamari Davis is also in the race entering with a season-best that ties her personal best at 10.91 seconds.

Meanwhile, Mujinga Kambundji is a strong contender with a season-best of 10.90 seconds, just a hair away from her best of 10.89 seconds.

Germany’s Gina Luckenkemper aims to improve upon her season best of 11.04 seconds, closely chasing her personal best of 10.95 seconds.

Winfred Yavi was thrilled to meet the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, following her explosive campaign at the Paris Olympic Games.

Daryll Neita is another key athlete to watch, her times hovering around the 10.92-second mark.

Lastly, Patrizia Van Der Weken from Luxembourg, with a consistent personal and season best of 11.00 seconds, completes this impressive list of participants.

Grant Holloway has reflected on his recent Olympic gold medal win, questioning its impact on his legacy and future goals.

Each sprinter’s presence intensifies the anticipation of a race that promises not just speed but strategic depth and resilience.