Botswana’s young sprint sensation, Letsile Tebogo, is gearing up to make history at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games this summer.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo has his sights set on becoming the first African athlete to claim gold in events once dominated by his idol, the legendary Usain Bolt.
Hailing from Kanye, a town south of Botswana’s capital Gaborone, Tebogo has quickly emerged as a rising star in the world of sprinting. Inspired by Bolt’s incredible achievements, Tebogo is determined to etch his name alongside the sprinting greats.
“Bolt is my idol—the person I most look up to. What he achieved was truly amazing. Whenever he ran, I watched him on TV,” Tebogo shared in an interview with AFP.
After securing impressive performances with a silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m at the world championships in Budapest last year, Tebogo’s aspirations have soared. “I do not have to be the number one of all time—being among the top three will do just fine,” he expressed.
Tebogo, currently based at the University of Oregon in the United States, has been honing his skills relentlessly, driven by a vision to elevate African athletes to dominate sprint events on the global stage.
“The time has come for African athletes to dominate sprint events on the international stage,” Letsile Tebogo.
His breakthrough at the Budapest championships marked a historic moment for Botswana, where he finished second in the 100m with a time of 9.88 seconds, just shy of Bolt’s world record. In the 200m, he secured a commendable third-place finish behind American sprinters Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton.
Tebogo’s achievements are not just a personal quest but a source of immense pride for his family and his nation. His mother, Seratiwa, herself a former athlete, plays an integral role in his life, providing unwavering support and encouragement.
During the Budapest championships, Seratiwa revealed the nerves she experienced while watching her son compete, highlighting the emotional investment families make in their athlete’s journey.
“The way I see it, Letsile is not just running for Botswana; he is carrying the flag for all of Africa. That makes me extremely proud,” Seratiwa expressed.
Tebogo’s passion for athletics blossomed from a young age, eventually leading him to focus on sprinting over football, Botswana’s national sport.
His talent was evident early on, culminating in standout performances at the under-20 world championships in Nairobi and Cali, where he clinched victories in the 100m and secured silver in the 200m.
Taking cues from Bolt’s charismatic style, Tebogo’s sportsmanship and flair have endeared him to fans. In Cali, he even gestured and smiled at his Jamaican competitor while crossing the finish line, reminiscent of Bolt’s showmanship.
“I relax ahead of races by listening to traditional music from my homeland. Apart from the beautiful sounds, it reminds me of where I come from and who I am representing,” Letsile Tebogo.
Now, as the Paris Olympics draw near, Letsile Tebogo is poised to make history and inspire a new generation of African sprinters.
With his eyes firmly set on the gold medal in the 200m, Tebogo’s journey represents the culmination of hard work, determination, and a deep-rooted desire to leave a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.
All eyes will be on this rising star as he aims to shine brightly on the grandest stage of them all in Paris.
Courtesy: AFP, PHOTOS: X
