Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo burst onto the global stage at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 when he won the 200-meter race, becoming the first Motswana and African to win a gold medal in the event. For those who watched him from his junior days, they might say it was only a matter of time before Tebogo became a star. This article reviews his rise to the top of the athletics world.
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Letsile Tebogo’s Childhood
Letsile Tebogo was born on 7 June 2003 in Kanye, Botswana. From a young age, he demonstrated his athletic capabilities by competing in football and athletics. His late mother, Seratiwa Tebogo, described him as “hyperactive” because he ventured into many things.
“His hyperactivity made it hard to tell what he was good at because he gave anything that kept him occupied a chance. He was mostly interested in football, but because of his hyperactivity, he didn’t like being put on the bench. Hence, he resorted to athletics where he could channel his boundless energy into sprinting.” she told Business Weekly Botswana.
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Regional Recognition
Tebogo’s athletic potential was seen when he competed against older boys in school. He always finished first. His determination to pursue athletics paid off when he was invited to Namibia’s 2016 Confederation of School Sports Associations of Southern Africa Championships (COSASA).
His primary school coach, Max Ndolo, spoke highly of the star and stated that Tebogo’s ability to become a great runner was evident from a young age.
Another person who attests to the 21-year-old’s rise is Namibia’s junior athletics coach Chilume Ntshwarang. He first watched him during the COSASA championship and ‘saw the antelope in him”. Ntshwarang later worked with him when he was in charge of the Botswana team at the World Athletics U-20 Championships in 2021.
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International Career
During the 2021 World Athletics U-20 Championships, Tebogo won the 100m, becoming the first Motswana to win gold internationally. He also won a silver medal in the 200m. In addition, Tebogo defended his U-20 100-meter title in Cali, Colombia.
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Further, Tebogo thrice smashed his record in the U-20, from 9.96 seconds to 9.94 seconds to 9.91 seconds. Before this, Tebogo set the national record in the 100m at 10.08 seconds and was also the first man in Motswana to run under 10.00 seconds.
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Road to Paris Olympics
Letsile Tebogo secured his place at the 2024 Paris Olympics after clocking 9.93 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.50 seconds in the 200 meters. As a result, he became the national record-holder in the 200 meters.
At the Paris Olympics, Letsile Tebogo won the 200m in 19.46 seconds and became the first Motswana and African to win a gold medal. After his victory, the Botswana government declared a national holiday in honor of his achievements. He shared his experience of the celebrations back home in Botswana.
“The support was amazing to see. There were 80,000 people at the stadium and all along the road. I believe my life has changed, and I have changed many lives in my home country, something I’ve been looking to do for the African continent. I have shown them that against all odds, everything is possible.” he told World Athletics.
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Letsile Tebogo’s Achievements Summary
Diamond League
- 2024: Rome Golden Gala (100 m), Kamila Skolimowska Memorial (200 m), Monaco Herculis (200 m), Zürich Weltklasse (200 m), Lausanne Athletissima (200 m)
- 2023: Lausanne Athletissima (200 m)
World Athletics Continental Tour
- 2024: Grand Prix Lombardia Brescia (200 m)
- 2023: Botswana Golden Grand Prix (200 m)
- 2024 Olympics Games: 100m (9.86 seconds), 200m (19.46 seconds), 4 by 400m (2:54:53)
- 2024 World Relays 4 by 400m (2:59:11)
- 2023 World Championships 100m (9.88 seconds), 200m (19.81 seconds)
- 2022 African Championship 200m (20.26 seconds), 100m
- 2022 World Championship 100m ( 10.17 seconds)
- 2022 World U20 Championship 100m (9.91 seconds), 200m (19.96 seconds)
- 2021 World Relays 4 by 100m (39.55 seconds)
- 2021 World U20 Championship 100m (10.19 seconds), 200m (20.38 seconds)
In Conclusion
Letsile Tebogo is now the face of African sprinting. His achievements at the Paris Olympics Games have drawn the world’s attention. Tebogo is only in his early 20s and is expected to continue his athletic ascendancy. He has also drawn comparisons to Usain Bolt, who he says is his inspiration. Do you think Letsile Tebogo will be as good as Usain Bolt?
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