Ivorian sprint star Marie-Joseè Ta Lou has opened up about the mental challenges she faced after repeatedly finishing just shy of the podium in the World Championships and Olympic Games.

The 34-year-old finished fourth in the 2016 Olympics, 0.007s out of the podium, and she reflects on how these near-misses have affected her mindset and her approach to the sport.

"I was mentally disappointed by many poor results, especially finishing 4th each time," Ta Lou revealed as quoted by satelliteinfos.net.

"It affected me a lot. If I came back again it’s because I have a strong mind."

Ta Lou's career has been marked by numerous close calls, where she found herself narrowly missing out on a medal including the last championships in Budapest.

These fourth-place finishes, while demonstrating her elite capabilities, have also been a source of frustration and mental strain.

Despite these setbacks, the Ivorian remains resolute in her commitment to give her best performance at the upcoming Olympics.

"This time, I do not want to make any promise to the Ivorians. I will do my best at the Olympics," she said.

At 35, she acknowledges the possibility that these could be her last Olympic Games. "You have to know how to leave," she noted. "But if God gives me the strength I will still be here."