African Athletics Seniors Championships double winner, Marie-Joseè Ta Lou, says her decision to withdraw from the 2024 African Athletics Seniors Championships in Douala is due to poor organisation.

The Ivorian sprint queen withdrew from the competition after Day 1, citing concerns about the event's organisation, which she described as substandard and risky for athletes.

"This is for security reasons. I did this because the start of the competition wasn't too great," Ta Lou explained as quoted by satelliteinfos.net.

"I can't come and run and stay there without knowing the results on site and even the next step. I didn't like it at all. The conditions from the start of the competition were not pleasant for me.

"I wanted to stop because I hurt myself a little. Since the Olympic Games are already on the horizon, I preferred to stop to avoid big risks."

Ta Lou, known for her consistent presence and performance in African athletics, emphasised the need for improved conditions.

"We don't talk for the sake of talking but for things to change. Not just for us. We could have not come and stayed in our corners. 

"But we decided to come and promote African sport because it is our competition. And that's what I've always done."

Addressing the withdrawal of other athletes, Ta Lou said, "I'm 35 years old and I take responsibility for what I do.

"Since last Wednesday as you noticed, I have not complained but if I did, it is because I just wanted to attract the attention of the leaders. Not with any intention of harm.

"The African championships are our competition as Africans. I am not asking that we be in American or European conditions either, I am aware of our realities.

"As proof, I always attended the African Championships. In 2018, 2016, 2012 and 2014, it was only the 2022 championships that I was unable to do because I had changed coaches and a shoulder problem. I am still happy because the conditions have improved."

Ta Lou, Nigeria sprinter Favour Ofili, and 2023 World Athletics Championships silver medalist, Letsile Tebogo had all threatened to pull out over what many described as a chaotic organisation of the event.