On 8 August, Letsile Tebogo shattered records and broke new ground as Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist! In doing so, he left the USA’s Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles eating his dust in the 200m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The rising 21-year-old, star blazed a trail with an African record of 19.46 seconds, bringing the crowd at the Stade de France to their feet.

However, just days later and before the Diamond League, Tebogo revealed that this victory was more than just a personal achievement; it was a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Seratiwa. She had always dreamed of sharing this moment with him, but tragically, she was not there to support him at the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on her absence, Tebogo acknowledged, “She’s watching up there, and she’s really, really happy.”

The woman who had given so much to him despite her limited means passed away in May, just as Tebogo was in Los Angeles. The devastating news shattered the 21-year-old sprinter, who had been profoundly connected to his mother throughout his formative years. Now competing in the Lausanne Diamond League, Tebogo has opened up about how he nearly ended his athletics career upon receiving the tragic news of her passing.

In an interview with SuperSport TV, Tebogo reflected on how his mother’s death impacted him before he went on to win two medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. “I believe she would be happy for what I have done because it’s something that she believed I could do as she saw the potential in me through thick and thin,” he shared. “She was there at every step of the way. She didn’t lose me along the way, but when I found out that she passed away, I thought it was the end of the world for me.”

The sprinter revealed that he was not in Botswana when his mother passed away and initially believed his athletics career was over. “I wasn’t home when she died; I was in Italy for the Eugene Diamond League that Saturday,” he said. He was in Italy to prepare for the Los Angeles Athletics Grand Prix, a key event leading up to the Paris Olympics. The loss affected him deeply, forcing him to reassess how to get back on track. However, Letsile Tebogo took the time he needed to heal and ultimately rose like a Phoenix from the ashes.

“Hearing the news changed my plans completely. I had to return home to figure out what I could do.” He thought the season might be over and his career might be at an end, but he expressed gratitude for the support from his team. “They advised me to take each day as it comes and not to pressure myself too much,” he added. “Gradually, I began to see the light and rediscovered my reason to run. Once we got in sync, I managed to get back on track.”The encouragement, from his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest played a role, in his achievements enabling him to stand out on the platform.

Letsile Tebogo’s journey with a boost from his mother’s unfailing support

Last year in Budapest, Letsile Tebogo’s mother was immensely proud of her son’s performance at the Championships. Tebogo made history by winning a medal in the 100m race, finishing second with a time of 9.88 seconds behind American sprinter Noah Lyles. Under her watchful eye, Tebogo also excelled in the 200m heats, clocking a time of 20.22 seconds to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

His mother emphasized the importance of her presence, having last seen him at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April. “We have not been together as a family for a long time since the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, so the reunion here in Budapest has done us both good,” she said, delighted by his performance.

The mother’s love has always been a source of strength, for her children giving Tebogo the motivation and resilience to achieve success. Despite her absence, Tebogos’s continued accomplishments make her proud and prove that her spirit is still guiding him.