SPORT Letsile Tebogo leading the rise of Africa’s sprinting revolution
3 min
At just 21 years old, Letsile Tebogo carried the hopes of an entire continent into the Stade de France. When he crossed the finish line in the men’s 200-meter final, the clock stopped at 19.46 seconds to set a new African record, moving Tebogo to No. 5 on the all-time list and, most importantly, securing a historic victory. For the first time ever at the Olympics, an African sprinter stood atop the podium. At that moment, Tebogo didn’t just win a gold medal; he opened a new chapter in Africa’s sprinting legacy while draped in Botswana’s blue, white, and black flag.
In Memory Of His Mother
Tebogo’s 2024 season was defined by both triumph and tragedy. In May, he lost his mother, Seratiwa, who had been his greatest supporter and inspiration. A single parent, she made sacrifices to ensure his success, dreaming of his achievements on the global stage. Tebogo honored her memory by dedicating his victories to her, pointing his spikes—marked with her birthdate—toward the cameras as a heartfelt tribute.
The Future Face Of The Sport
Tebogo’s post-Olympic campaign has been no less impressive. He wasn’t shy about expressing his belief that 2024 was the right time to cash in on his success. After Paris, he won the 200m in Lausanne with a time of 19.64 seconds and set a meet record of 19.83 seconds in Silesia.
The year 2024 was a testing year for Tebogo, and passed with flying colors. His blend of raw talent, mental resilience, and unwavering dedication has already set him apart. And his best years are likely still ahead. As he enters his athletic prime, it’s safe to say that the story of Tebogo as standard bearer for the hopes of a continent is just beginning.
“My life has changed a lot.I have a lot of doors open now and a lot of people are coming to me, on the other side I have to manage properly with my team in order to not affect my training and my focus”, he explains. “Being number one in the ranking makes me feel happy and confident and relaxed heading to next season preparation. My goal is every year to run faster than the previous year . Next year will be very complicated as the season will be very long ,so I have to be careful and make a good plan with my coach as to how to approach and how to go through.”
In Paris, the world witnessed more than a race— we saw a defining moment in history. At its heart was a young man from Botswana, competing not merely for gold medals and personal glory, but for a greater cause: global recognition and respect for a new generation of African superstars.
Just as TAG Heuer epitomizes innovation and endurance, Tebogo’s journey from Kanye to Olympic glory symbolizes a commitment to breaking barriers and redefining limits. Together, they inspire a new generation to embrace challenges with courage and strive for greatness, proving that in sport, success is not just about time—it’s about making history.
