Letsile Tebogo, Africa’s first Olympic sprint champion, has emerged as a global sensation with his record-breaking performances but other than his track exploits, what else do you know about him?
Letsile Tebogo has defied the norm to show that even Africa has the ability to produce sprinters owing to his remarkable performances on the track in the past few seasons.
The reigning Olympic champion is a distinguished sprinter and he has, without a doubt, significantly impacted the world of athletics. However, athletics was not his first love, Tebogo loved football from the start and later transitioned to sprinting during his youth.
The decision was certainly a blessing to Tebogo’s life since he has been able to achieve great milestones on the track, something he might not have been able to achieve if he maintained his football journey.
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Letsile Tebogo has made history from the World Championships to the Paris Olympic Games and he particularly made headlines by winning the gold medal in the 200m at the Paris Summer Olympics, marking Botswana’s and Africa’s first-ever Olympic gold.
He also secured a silver medal in the 100m and a bronze in the 200m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, showcasing his versatility and competitiveness on the global stage.
Tebogo also set a world best in the 300m with a time of 30.69 seconds in February 2024, further cementing his status as a leading figure in sprinting.
Letsile Tebogo has not only brought pride to Botswana but also highlighted the nation’s potential in producing world-class athletes and his dedication and achievements continue to inspire many.
Letsile Tebogo: Origin, Age, Mother, 200m personal best & Training base
Letsile Tebogo origin
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Letsile Tebogo origin
Image source: Imago
Tebogo was born in Kanye, a small village in southern Botswana and he is one of the most distinguished sprinters who has made significant steps in the world of athletics.
The former world under-20 double champion belongs to the Bantu ethnic group, which is known for its rich traditions in farming and agriculture and Tebogo is not an exception from that. During his off season, Tebogo takes care of his animals and has a large farm where he plants crops.
His upbringing in Kanye has played a pivotal role in shaping his athletic career and has provided a foundation that has propelled him to international acclaim.
Letsile Tebogo age
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Letsile Tebogo age
Image source: Imago
Letsile Tebogo was born on June 7, 2003, in Kanye, Botswana, and is currently 21 years of age. He is a professional sprinter who specialises in the 100m and 200m events.
Letsile Tebogo gained huge international recognition after winning the gold medal in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Tebogo’s achievements have significantly contributed to the prominence of African athletes in global sprinting competitions.
Letsile Tebogo mother
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Letsile Tebogo’s mother embraces her son after victory in a race
Image source: Mmegi Online
Tebogo shared a special bond with his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo who was also an athlete. Seratiwa took a shift from being a sports woman to being a secretary and raised Letsile and his younger sister single-handedly.
She was Letsile Tebogo’s greatest cheerleader undoubtedly and encouraged him to pursue athletics, a decision that significantly shaped his career. Sadly, Seratiwa Tebogo passed away in May 2024 after a brief illness.
The loss affected Tebogo and she was the reason behind the youngster’s hard work at the Paris Olympic Games. He honoured his mother’s memory by dedicating his gold medal to her and wore spikes bearing her birthdate at the Olympics. Her unwavering support and influence remain integral to Letsile’s journey and achievements in athletics.
Letsile Tebogo personal best times (100m & 200m)
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Letsile Tebogo after crossing the men’s 200m final finish line at the Paris Olympic Games
Image source: Imago
Tebogo has made a name for himself on the global track scene as he showcased his extraordinary talent and showcasing his extraordinary talent in the 100m and 200m events. Tebogo is among the fastest 100m and 200m runners in the world.
His personal best time in the 100m stands at 9.86 seconds that he ran to finish sixth in the men’s final at the Paris Olympic Games. Initially, his personal best time stood at 9.94 seconds, which he set in 2022.
His time not only made him the fastest 100m sprinter from Botswana but also cemented his status as one of the top young sprinters globally. In the 200m, Tebogo has also proven to be one of the best. He achieved a personal best of 19.87 seconds in 2023, a time that ranks him among the elite sprinters in the world.
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Letsile Tebogo reflected on his career’s turning point, winning his first global gold in Nairobi.
In 2024, Tebogo bettered that time, clocking an African record time of 19.46 seconds to win the 200m at the Paris Olympic Games. This performance made him one of the fastest athletes. Many anticipate that he will continue to improve in the years to come.
Letsile Tebogo training
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Letsile Tebogo celebrates after winning a race
Image source: Imago
The Olympic 200m champion primarily conducts his training in Botswana. Tebogo admitted that he finds comfort and support training at home, and it gives him the opportunity to maintain his reserved nature and focus on his performance without too much pressure.
As he prepares for major competitions, however, Letsile Tebogo has complemented his training with the use of facilities in South Africa. Ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, Tebogo spent four months in a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Tebogo has been vocal about being uninterested about relocating abroad, revealing that he wants to mentor young people in his home country and be proof that they do not have to relocate to make it.
He also believes that Botswana nurtures its athletes exceptionally well. Letsile Tebogo’s training regimen is primarily based in Botswana, with strategic use of facilities in South Africa.
