For Botswana, Letsile Tebogo’s success is more than just a sporting triumph; it’s a symbol of hope and possibility. And for the world, he is proof that the future of athletics is bright, fast, and African.
By Tuka Letura
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo has had a year to remember in 2024. At just 21 years old, the sprinter has solidified his place among the world’s best, earning the prestigious title of World Athletics’ Men’s Athlete of the Year. From setting blistering times on the track to shouldering the hopes of a nation, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Letsile Tebogo began the year with high expectations following his impressive 2023 season, where he clinched a silver medal in the 200 metres at the World Athletics Championships.
His growing reputation as a sprinting sensation meant the world was watching as he lined up for his first major race in March at the Botswana Grand Prix. True to form, Tebogo delivered, clocking 9.95 seconds in the 100 metres, a new meet record that signalled he was in peak form.
This performance ignited a season that would take Letsile Tebogo from continental competitions to global glory. In May, he alongside Isaac Makwala, Leungo Scotch and Bayapa Ndori won gold in the Men’s 4x400m relay at the World Athletics relays in Nassau, Bahamas, where they beat South Africa and Belgium to clinch it.
By the time the Olympics in Paris rolled around in August, Tebogo was a man on a mission. He faced stiff competition from American star, Noah Lyles. In the men’s 100 metres, Tebogo advanced swiftly through the heats and qualification stages to reach the final.
However, his hopes were dashed as he finished in 6th place with a time of 9.86 seconds, setting a new national record. Noah Lyles claimed gold, finishing first with a time of 9.79 seconds.
Opportunity would present itself in the 200m men’s event. Tebogo stunned the field to win the Olympic gold medal at Paris. The 21-year-old set a new African record of 19.46 seconds, finishing ahead of American, Kenneth Bednarek, who claimed silver with a time of 19.62 seconds.
A day later, Letsile Tebogo and Botswana’s 4×400 metre relay team, consisting of Bayapo Ndori, Busang Kebinatshipi, and Anthony Pesela, secured silver in the men’s Olympic 4×400 metres event with a time of 2:54.53.
Tebogo dedicated his Olympic gold to his mother, Seratiwa, who passed away in May after a brief illness. Following his victory, he held up his spikes to the camera, showing her date of birth.
“It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field…To take her [with me], it gives me a lot of motivation. She’s watching up there, and she’s really, really happy”.
Letsile Tebogo’s victories sent shockwaves through the athletics world, but their significance went beyond personal glory. For Botswana, a country with a population of just over two million, Tebogo’s achievements marked a defining moment in its sporting history.
Botswana had long been known for its prowess in middle-distance running, thanks to athletes like Nijel Amos, but Tebogo’s success in the sprints showcased the nation’s growing versatility on the track.
The celebrations back home were nothing short of euphoric. Jubilations erupted across the streets as people danced and marched in celebration of Tebogo’s victory. Meanwhile, social media buzzed with celebrations, with fans sharing videos and images of ecstatic crowds rejoicing and dancing in honour of his win.
On his return, Letsile Tebogo’s gold medals, along with other medals Botswana picked up in Paris, were paraded through the streets of Gaborone, and the government declared a public holiday to honour his achievements. The government of Botswana also recognised Tebogo’s Olympic achievement by awarding him two houses.
In September 2024, Letsile Tebogo again became the first male recipient of the newly inaugurated Jesse Owens Rising Star Award at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels. The award honoured his exceptional talent and consistency, with his time of 19.80 seconds being the best performance by a male athlete aged 23 or under during the final.
In October 2024, Letsile Tebogo’s historic triumph as Botswana’s first Olympic champion earned him further accolades when he received the prestigious Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) award for Best Male Athlete of Paris 2024.
In November, Tebogo’s extraordinary year was crowned with the World Athletics’ Men’s Athlete of the Year award. He became the first African sprinter to receive the honour. During his acceptance speech, Tebogo dedicated the award to his coaches, teammates, and the people of Botswana, emphasising the collective effort behind his success.
“Winning this award is not just for me; it’s for every young athlete in Botswana who dreams of achieving greatness,” Tebogo said. “It’s proof that with hard work and belief, anything is possible. It feels amazing to know that the fans are always there for us athletes. It was a great year, and this means a lot. It’s not just about the team that is around you; there are a lot of fans out there that really want us to win something great for the continent”.
Letsile Tebogo’s 2024 season was not without challenges. Balancing a packed competition schedule with media obligations and the expectations of not just his nation, but a handful of Africans. While it may not have been a smooth ride, his ability to learn from setbacks set him apart.
For Botswana, Tebogo’s success is more than just a sporting triumph; it’s a symbol of hope and possibility. And for the world, he is proof that the future of athletics is bright, fast, and African.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.