Jamaica's Tia Clayton sets personal best in Silesia as she beats Ivory Coast's Ta Lou-Smith in epic photo finish

Jamaica's Tia Clayton sets personal best in Silesia as she beats Ivory Coast's Ta Lou-Smith in epic photo finish

Mark Kinyanjui 20:00 - 25.08.2024

Clayton has set a new personal best 100m record after getting over the line first in an epic photo-finish in Silesia.

Jamaica's Tia Clayton delivered a standout performance at the Silesia Diamond League classic on Sunday afternoon, setting a new personal best of 10.83 seconds in the 100m.

 The 19-year-old sprinter narrowly edged out Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith in a dramatic photo finish, underlining her growing reputation on the global sprinting stage.

Clayton, who finished seventh in the 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcased her resilience and determination by consistently improving her times throughout the season. 

Her victory in Silesia, marked by a new personal best, serves as a significant milestone in her young career. Having previously matched her personal and season-best time of 10.86 seconds, Clayton’s latest achievement signals her readiness to compete at the highest level.

America’s Tamari Davis took third place in the Silesia showdown, clocking in at 10.84 seconds, just a fraction behind the top two. Britain's Daryl Neita narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a time of 11.01 seconds, while Natasha Morrison of Jamaica rounded out the field, finishing last with 11.07 seconds.

For Clayton, the Paris Olympics were a crucial learning experience. Despite not securing a podium finish, her journey in Paris demonstrated her potential and laid the foundation for what promises to be a bright future in athletics. 

At just 19 years old, Clayton’s performance in Silesia not only highlights her talent but also her ability to thrive under pressure.

Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith, who finished a close second, also has reason to celebrate. Her performance in Silesia marked a significant comeback after a heartbreaking experience at the Paris Olympics.

 Ta Lou-Smith suffered a severe injury during the 100m final in Paris, finishing last with a time of 13.84 seconds. The injury not only dashed her hopes in the 100m but also prevented her from competing in the 200m heats.

Sunday’s race in Silesia was a testament to Ta Lou-Smith’s resilience. Her ability to bounce back from such a devastating setback and perform at a high level is a reminder of her strength and determination. 

As she continues her recovery, Ta Lou-Smith will undoubtedly view her performance in Silesia as a positive step forward.

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