Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Profession: Athlete
Career highlights:
- 2019 Africa Games silver medal (100m)
- 2018 African Championships silver (100m) and bronze (4x100m relay)
- 100m national record (9.93)
- 200m national record (20.23)
- 60m indoors national record (6.53)
What made you decide to pursue a career as a professional athlete?
When I saw other athletes competing – especially the great athletes, the true fighters on the track – I was determined to race them, and dug deep to find the courage to take them on and beat them!
Take us back to the race in June 2018 where you broke 10s for the 100m – can you describe your build up to the race and what it felt like when you crossed the line and seeing you had dipped under that magical mark?
I have a lot of emotions when I think of that race at the Leverkusen meeting in 2018. On the day of the competition I was very confident, but after the race when I saw the time, I had the tears in my eyes because running sub 10 seconds was what I had dreamed of. There was a lot of joy in my heart that day.
Physical training is important for success, but so is mental training – what role does your mindset play in your performances?
I know that that if a high-level athlete does not have an iron mind they risk not reaching their potential during their career. It is my fighting spirit that pushes me towards my dreams and goals.
What impact do you hope your success will have on track and field in Ivory Coast?
I think my success will bear a lot of fruit for the future generations in Ivory Coast. When they are struggling, I hope my career will help them to keep pushing and know that they too can reach the top level like me if they keep working hard.
What is the strangest (or most interesting) thing that has happened to you in your travels around the world?
The strangest thing was during one flight which was very rough, and my life was in danger… I was so scared!
The most interesting thing about travel is that I have had the opportunity to make new friends across the 4 corners of the world and meet very nice people.
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