Olympic Champion Tebogo Targets Africa’s Athletic Future
AFP/APP
London: After making history by winning Olympic sprint gold and upstaging global giants like the United States and Jamaica, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo is setting his sights on unlocking Africa’s untapped athletic potential.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first African athlete to win the men’s 200m, with a new African record of 19.46 seconds.
This remarkable victory not only earned him Olympic gold but also placed him fifth on the world all-time list, ahead of US sprinting sensation Noah Lyles. Tebogo’s triumph, just months after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Seratiwa, has solidified his place as one of the brightest stars in world athletics.
Tebogo’s Olympic success has not only brought him recognition but also inspired youth in Botswana and across Africa. “The Olympics have taken me to a different level,” Tebogo said in an interview with AFP.
“It has opened many doors for me and created empowerment for young people in my country and on the African continent. I’ve shown them that anything is possible.”
Building on the legacy of Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks, who paved the way for African sprinters, Tebogo has already surpassed Fredericks’ Olympic achievements, with a gold in 200m and silver in the 4x400m relay.
His vision for Africa’s future in athletics goes beyond his own success. Tebogo believes that with proper resources, the continent could produce even more world-class athletes.
“I believe there’s true potential in Africa, but we lack the resources that other countries have,” Tebogo explained. “With the right support, Africa could be one of the deadliest continents in athletics.”
Tebogo advocates for public investments in coaching, improved facilities, and better training systems to harness and nurture the talent across Africa. “Once you find a gem in Africa, you don’t know when you’ll find the next one,” he added, stressing the importance of investing in coaching to develop young athletes.
The celebration in Botswana following Tebogo’s Olympic victory was overwhelming, with the government declaring a half-day public holiday and gifting him two houses. Yet, despite his newfound fame, Tebogo remains grounded.
Unlike some of his counterparts, he avoids the spotlight and theatrics that come with being an international sprint star. He openly expressed his disinterest in emulating the flashy entrances of US rivals like Noah Lyles, describing the American as “arrogant” and “loud.”
“I’m more reserved. I just let my legs do the talking,” Tebogo said, adding that everyone should be free to express themselves as they wish. “That’s him, and we just have to accept it and move on.”
With a bright future ahead, Tebogo is already focused on his preparations for the 2025 season. While he is still refining his approach and technique, his ultimate goal remains the same: to make Africa proud. “That will never change, no matter what year or season we get into,” he said.
As the continent’s first Olympic sprint gold medallist, Tebogo’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes, proving that with the right dedication and support, Africa’s athletic talent has no limits.
