Olympic Star Letsile Tebogo reflects on Kenya’s role in his career
Letsile Tebogo, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, has hailed Kenya as the place where his journey to global stardom began. The Botswanan sprinter shared how his first major victory in Nairobi in 2021 set him on the path to making history as the first African to win Olympic gold in the 200m.
Reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo has credited Kenya as the foundation of his illustrious athletics career.
Speaking to Pulse Sports, the world 100m silver medallist reflected on his first major victory at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. That moment, he said, marked the turning point in his life.
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"My most memorable moment was when I won the first gold medal for Botswana in Kenya. That’s when I knew this could be something great and beautiful for both me and my country," Tebogo said.
Before his rise to fame, the 21-year-old had juggled his love for football and athletics. Growing up, football was his first passion, but a lack of support for the sport in Botswana made him focus on athletics. This decision paid off when he clinched gold in Nairobi in 2021.
"I knew I could change a few things in my country and family. Yeah, Kenya has a place in my heart all the time," he added.
Strategic Training for Longevity
Tebogo has since been meticulous in managing his races, particularly in the 100m category. He believes in balancing events to protect his body and prolong his career.
"I believe that when you sprint the 100m for a long time, the body is going to shut down because of the monotony. I am still very young, and I want to have a lengthy career," he explained.
To stay competitive, Tebogo works with local coaches in Botswana while occasionally consulting American coach John Smith. His flexible training regimen includes experimenting with different distances like the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay to maintain muscle responsiveness and avoid burnout.
Historic Olympic Achievements
Tebogo’s calculated approach delivered historic results at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He became the first African to win gold in the 200m and anchored Botswana’s 4x400m men’s relay team to a silver medal. His achievements also included a second-place finish at the Diamond League final in Brussels, cementing his status as a continental icon.
At just 21, Tebogo remains focused on pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of African athletes.
"I want to show the world what Botswana and Africa can achieve," he said, looking ahead to the 2025 season.
