Dark Clouds Over Track & Field Community as Letsile Tebogo Loses Mother To Longtime Illness

Jamaica’s Letsile Tebogo has suffered a huge setback ahead of the Paris Olympics. According to the latest reports, Tebogo has lost his mother in the saddest turn of events. The news was initially covered by a journalist named Daniel Kenosi and was later updated on social media by others. Likewise, in an X post, the news was briefed by Okavango News 247 that read, “BOTSWANA’S TOP ATHLETE LETSILE TEBOGO HAS  LOST HIS MOTHER… Botswana’s premier athlete Letsile Tebogo is mourning the passing of his mother. The sad news was reported by journalist Daniel Kenosi, who confirmed the unfortunate event.” 

Tebogo, the 20-year-old track and field phenom from Botswana has been making the news for all the right reasons. Running at the ASA Grand Prix III, Tebogo clocked an impressive timing of 19.94s. This was special because Tebogo became the very first sprinter this year to clock a time below 20 seconds in the 200m discipline. He also clinched the gold while running 4x400m at the 2024 World Relays. Thus, riding high on such a sublime form, Tebogo had his eyes firmly set on the Paris 100m and 200m gold. 

Although such a heartbreak might cause some serious mental trauma for the athlete, he must not lose his focus. It is well-known how proud Tebogo’s mother was of her son. And looking at the special bond between the two, it is imperative that Tebogo clinches the coveted gold to honor his mom.

Letsile Tebogo and his mother’s special bond

Tebogo and his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo have always been close with each other. The Botswana sprinter has been backed by his mother publicly several times. Often she has even referred to the World Champion silver medalist as a “little boy.” 

When Tebogo became the first African to clinch a 100m medal at the World Athletics Championships, Seratiwa Tebogo’s joy knew no bounds. Speaking about how she is feeling, Letsile’s mother stated, “To say I’m proud is an understatement.”

She also went on to justify her statements by saying, “It’s more about Africa than Botswana and a young boy putting Africa on the map at such a global level. It’s so joyful and prideful.” Speaking about her experience, Letsile’s mother said that it was hard for her to believe what had just transpired. She also stated that since Letsile put Africa on the world map, it was a huge achievement for her as a mother. 

Thus, after her demise, it will be interesting to see how Letsile Tebogo will cope up with the loss. And come Paris, Tebogo would be itching to lay his hands on the coveted Olympic gold.