Letsile Tebogo, Botswana’s Olympic 200m champion, has become a beacon of inspiration not only in athletics but across various sports in the country. His remarkable achievement at the Olympics has ignited a wave of motivation among fellow athletes, including Ross Branch, a motorsport competitor who recently made history by becoming the first African to win the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
Tebogo’s influence stretches far beyond the track. He has been a source of encouragement for Branch, offering support and motivational words during the crucial stages of Branch’s championship journey. Tebogo’s message of unity and belief in their nation’s potential resonated deeply with Branch. “Letsile was on the phone with me the week before saying, ‘We can do it. We are Botswana, and we stand together,’” Branch shared. This solidarity among athletes from a small country like Botswana has fostered a unique sense of camaraderie and collective ambition.
Branch, 38, clinched the W2RC title in Morocco, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. Motorsport, a notoriously tough and demanding sport, presented its own challenges, but Branch remained determined to achieve his dream. Despite doubts about his age and ability, Branch proved the critics wrong, reaffirming that age is not a barrier to success. “Everyone was saying I might be too old to get a world title, but I’m so happy to have proved those guys wrong,” he said.
Branch’s victory is even more impressive considering his decision to remain based in Botswana, resisting the common trend among African motorsport athletes to relocate to Europe. For Branch, staying in Botswana is a strategic choice, as the country offers the perfect terrain for his sport. “We’ve got the best terrain and the best areas to go and ride,” he explained, highlighting the importance of having access to open desert spaces for training. His decision to stay in Southern Africa has proven to be a key factor in his success.
Despite the financial and logistical challenges that often limit African representation in motorsport, Branch remains optimistic about the future. With a leg of the W2RC scheduled to take place in Sun City, South Africa, in 2025, Branch sees this as a significant opportunity for African riders. The event will make it more affordable for local athletes to participate, potentially opening the door for more African competitors to enter the world of Rally-Raid racing.
Looking ahead, Branch is excited about the prospect of competing in front of his home crowd. “Having the South African round will open the door for hundreds of riders that are here. It will make it a lot cheaper to participate and break into the market of Rally-Raid racing,” he said. He is also looking forward to hosting his family and friends when the event takes place, as many have already booked their accommodations to witness his historic achievement.
Tebogo’s success has not only elevated Botswana’s standing in global athletics but has also sparked a wider sense of possibility and achievement across various sports. His role in motivating Branch and others highlights the power of sports to transcend boundaries, inspire change, and unite people in pursuit of greatness.
