In her heat the double African Games champion had come from behind to beat Trinidad & Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye, posting her first sub-11, into a slight headwind. Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith finished third in 11.07 to move into the final.
In the final Ta Lou showed that was no fluke and despite a poor start she gathered momentum in the last 50m and went past Lee-Ahye who was second and just sneaked under 11 to finish in 10.99. World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was third in 11.06.
Ta Lou couldn’t believe her eyes when she looked up and saw the new mark she had posted and the Ivorian couldn’t hide her joy as she jumped repeatedly in excitement. This was the first time in Ta Lou’s career that she had raced to a sub 11 seconds in the 100m, joining her countrywoman Murielle Ahouré, who has the African Record of 10.78.
In the battle of the Brits which took place in the outside lanes, British record holder Dina Asher-Smith finished in fourth in 11.09 edging out Desiree Henry who was sixth in 11.17.
After her run Asher-Smith said, “I'm really happy to run another 11.09, although I would have liked to have run a PB, as I feel in that sort of shape. But when you are facing a headwind that is all you can do.
“The London Diamond League is amazing, it feels as though you are at a major championship. You raise your performances at those champs, and that's what I feel everyone has done here.”
At the same London Diamond League event the year before, Asher-Smith had not only run a PB she also broke the British record in the process. Her 10.99 run came in the first heat of the 100m. In the final she finished fourth with another impressive time, 11.06.
Heptathlete turned sprinter, Dafne Schippers from the Netherlands was also in record breaking form, running a scorching 10.92 Dutch national record to take the victory in the final.
This year’s women’s 100m will be one of the highlights at the Müller Anniversary Games at the London Stadium last July, having twice raced to a personal best of 10.96. Anniversary Games again, with Olympic champion Elaine Thompson up against last year’s winner, Ta Lou and Schippers. British favourites Dina Asher-Smith and Asha Philip will be looking for home support to ensure they are also in the mix
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