Letsile Tebogo, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, has set a clear and unwavering goal for his athletic career, one that will remain constant regardless of the year or season: making Africa proud on the global stage. As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, this mission remains his primary focus, just as it has been in past years when he achieved groundbreaking success in sprinting.
In 2023, Tebogo made history by becoming the first African athlete to win a medal in the 100m race at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. He claimed a bronze medal in the men’s 200m as well, securing his place among the elite sprinters of the world. Despite fierce competition, including from Noah Lyles, who dominated both the 100m and 200m, Tebogo’s performance underscored the growing strength of African sprinters on the global stage. His journey to success continued in Paris, where he made history once again, becoming the first African to win an Olympic gold medal in the 200m. This victory was particularly significant, as he defeated strong opponents like Kenny Bednarek and Lyles, further solidifying his position as a rising star in athletics. Additionally, Tebogo played a crucial role in the Botswanan 4x400m relay team, which earned a silver medal at the same Olympics.
Despite these accomplishments, Tebogo remains focused on the broader goal of representing Africa on the world map. “We haven’t sat down with the coach and the team to discuss our plans for the 2025 season, but I believe one is going to be making Africa proud,” he shared. This commitment to showcasing African talent on the world stage is something that he views as a core part of his identity as an athlete. His passion for lifting Africa’s profile in sprinting has been a driving force throughout his career, and this goal will remain unchanged as he moves forward.
After the Olympic Games, Tebogo continued his impressive streak of victories. He took top honors at several prestigious Diamond League meetings, including in Lausanne, Silesia, Zurich, and Rome. His consistent performances throughout the season demonstrated that his triumphs were no flukes but the result of sustained hard work and talent. Tebogo’s success at the Grand Prix Lombardia, where he won the men’s 200m, further solidified his reputation as one of the top sprinters in the world. He wrapped up the season with a second-place finish at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead to 2025, Tebogo is eager to continue building on his success. One of the key events on his radar is the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. This will be another opportunity for him to shine on the world stage and to further cement his place in the pantheon of great sprinters. The Diamond League Meetings will also offer additional platforms for him to demonstrate his abilities and continue his quest to make Africa proud.
Tebogo’s achievements have not only brought personal glory but have also inspired a new generation of African sprinters. His success, alongside the accomplishments of other notable athletes such as Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya and South Africa’s Akani Simbine, is helping to redefine the role of Africa in global sprinting. The message is clear: Africa is now a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics, and it’s time for African sprinters to take center stage.
Through his incredible performances and unwavering commitment to representing Africa, Tebogo is setting a powerful example for other athletes. His dedication to his goals and his focus on uplifting Africa’s presence in the sprinting world have made him a role model for aspiring athletes across the continent. As he heads into the 2025 season, there is little doubt that he will continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of African athletes to follow in his footsteps.
