In the 2024 track and field season, a number of African youngsters took the athletics world by storm, cementing themselves as future stars in the sport. These rising athletes not only achieved personal milestones but also represented their countries with pride, breaking records and earning medals at prestigious global events. Their remarkable performances have inspired countless others across Africa and beyond, marking them as athletes to watch for many years to come. This piece will explore the top five African youngsters who made an indelible mark in the 2024 track and field season.
Letsile Tebogo: Botswana’s Sprint Sensation
One of the brightest stars to emerge from the 2024 season is Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo. His sprinting prowess captured the attention of the world, particularly with his historic performances in the 200 meters. Tebogo began his season with a bang, setting a world record in the rarely-run 300 meters, which set the tone for what would be an exceptional year.
The highlight of Tebogo’s season came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he made history by becoming the first African athlete to win a gold medal in the 200 meters. His victory was monumental, not just for Botswana, but for the entire continent. Tebogo’s dominance in the 200 meters was a defining moment for African sprinting, signaling that athletes from the continent can compete and win on the global stage in events traditionally dominated by runners from North America and the Caribbean.
In addition to his individual achievements, Tebogo was an integral part of Botswana’s 4×400 meters relay team, which claimed a silver medal at the Olympics. His leadership on the anchor leg was crucial in securing the medal for his country. Tebogo’s season did not end with the Olympics, as he went on to participate in the Diamond League, where he secured four wins across various events. Although he fell short in the Diamond League final, finishing second, Tebogo’s 2024 season firmly established him as one of the best sprinters in the world.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo’s future in track and field looks incredibly bright. He has demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, shown remarkable consistency, and become a household name in Botswana, where he admits his newfound fame has changed his life. With his natural talent and dedication to his craft, Tebogo is poised to continue his ascent in the world of athletics, and all eyes will be on him as he prepares for the 2025 season.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Kenya’s Middle-Distance Prodigy
Emmanuel Wanyonyi is another young African athlete who has taken the world by storm in 2024. The Kenyan middle-distance runner, who specializes in the 800 meters, had an extraordinary season, proving that he is more than just a rising star—he is a force to be reckoned with. Wanyonyi’s rise in 2023, when he won silver at the World Championships, was a sign of things to come, but few could have predicted the heights he would reach in 2024.
Wanyonyi’s crowning achievement came at the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 800 meters. His Olympic victory was not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for Kenya, a nation renowned for its dominance in middle- and long-distance running. What makes Wanyonyi’s success even more remarkable is his age—at just 20 years old, he has already etched his name into the history books, and he still has many years ahead of him to build on his legacy.
In addition to his Olympic gold, Wanyonyi secured the Diamond League title in the 800 meters, capping off an incredible season. His consistent performances throughout the year saw him rise to the position of the joint second-fastest runner in history in his event, a testament to his hard work and natural ability. Wanyonyi’s tactical intelligence and maturity on the track have impressed seasoned observers, as he has shown a remarkable ability to outwit his rivals in high-pressure situations.
As Wanyonyi continues to develop, there is no doubt that he has the potential to dominate the 800 meters for years to come. His combination of speed, endurance, and tactical nous makes him a formidable competitor, and it will be exciting to see how he builds on his success in 2025.
Faith Cherotich: Kenya’s Steeplechase Rising Star
Kenya has long been synonymous with excellence in distance running, and Faith Cherotich is the latest athlete to carry the torch in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase. At just 20 years old, Cherotich has already achieved a great deal in her young career, with the 2024 season marking her as one of the top steeplechasers in the world.
Cherotich’s breakout moment came at the Paris Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the steeplechase, confirming her status as one of the top athletes in her event. Her performance was especially significant given the stiff competition in the steeplechase, where she faced off against seasoned athletes from around the world. Cherotich showed remarkable composure and determination, attributes that will serve her well as she continues to compete at the highest level.
The young Kenyan followed up her Olympic success with a stunning performance in the Diamond League, where she claimed the title in Brussels by defeating world champion Winfred Yavi. This victory was a clear indication that Cherotich is not only capable of competing with the best but also of beating them. With her natural talent, determination, and the guidance of Kenya’s rich history in distance running, Cherotich looks set to dominate the steeplechase for years to come.
With the world record holder in the steeplechase, Beatrice Chepkoech, struggling in recent years, Cherotich appears poised to take over as the new queen of the event. Her performances in 2024 have given Kenyan fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic, and her future in the sport looks incredibly bright.
Muzala Samukonga: Zambia’s 400m Breakthrough
Muzala Samukonga may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, but the Zambian sprinter had a season to remember in 2024. His bronze medal in the 400 meters at the Paris Olympics was a historic achievement, as it was Zambia’s first Olympic medal in 28 years. Samukonga’s time of 43.74 seconds was a new national record, and it placed him behind only two Americans, Quincy Hall and Matthew Hudson-Smith, in the final.
Samukonga’s Olympic success brought immense pride to Zambia, a nation not traditionally known for its track and field prowess. His achievement was a source of inspiration for young athletes in his country, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The 21-year-old has quickly become a national hero, and his performances have earned him international recognition as well.
In addition to his Olympic bronze, Samukonga finished third in the 400 meters at the Diamond League final, further solidifying his status as one of the top quarter-milers in the world. His performances throughout the season were consistent, and he has shown that he has the potential to challenge the very best in the world in his event.
Samukonga’s success has also earned him an invitation to the prestigious Grand Slam Track series, set to begin in 2025. This opportunity will allow him to compete against the best athletes from around the world and gain even more experience at the highest level. With his speed, determination, and growing confidence, Samukonga is a name to watch in the coming years as he continues to make strides in the 400 meters.
Bayanda Walaza: South Africa’s Teenage Sprinting Phenom
Still only 18 years old, South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza has already made history as the first athlete from his country to win an Olympic medal while still in high school. Walaza was a key member of South Africa’s 4×100 meters relay team, which claimed a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Alongside Shaun Maswanganyi, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine, Walaza helped South Africa secure one of its two track and field silver medals at the Games.
Walaza’s role in the relay team was crucial, as he ran the first leg of the race with great character and determination. His performance was a testament to his potential as a future sprinting star, and his ability to handle the pressure of competing on the world stage at such a young age speaks volumes about his talent and mental fortitude.
While Walaza is still early in his career, his Olympic success has already put him on the map as one of Africa’s most promising young athletes. As he continues to develop and gain more experience, there is no doubt that Walaza has the potential to become one of the top sprinters in the world. His journey is just beginning, and South African fans will be eager to see how he progresses in the coming years.
Conclusion
The 2024 track and field season saw the emergence of several young African athletes who showcased their immense talent and potential. Letsile Tebogo, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Faith Cherotich, Muzala Samukonga, and Bayanda Walaza all made significant contributions to the sport, earning medals and breaking records along the way. These athletes have not only made their countries proud but have also inspired a new generation of African track and field stars. As they continue to develop and compete on the world stage, the future of African athletics looks brighter than ever.
