Track and field has recently come under heightened scrutiny, particularly with criticism from prominent sprint stars like Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo. Both athletes, having celebrated their Olympic Golds, have shifted the spotlight to address pressing issues in the sport. While Noah Lyles has been vocal about the financial challenges facing track and field, Letsile Tebogo has revealed another tough reality that might stir controversy.

At just 21, Letsile Tebogo made a significant impact at the Paris Olympics by not only claiming gold in the 200m but also by defeating Noah Lyles, who had to settle for bronze. This victory was part of a broader trend, as Tebogo has consistently outperformed top American sprinters such as Fred Kerley, Christian Coleman, and Kenny Bednarek in both the 100m and 200m. His impressive performance continued at major events like the Wanda Diamond League, where he triumphed in the 100m in Rome with a remarkable time of 9.87 seconds.

Recently Tebogo after his iconic win was asked if, had any intentions of training in the U.S., the home to many great sprinters. His response? A reality check. “It’s a tough question to answer, but in the United States, there is a lot of competition. So, once you take one gem from Africa and you put it there, it is going to be destroyed,” Tebogo said without flinching. He also went on to boldly add, “So for me to decide not to go there but to sit down and start from way back in 2016 to just watch how African athletes progressed going to America – I found out that a lot of African athletes make it out of college but they can’t go professional afterwards.”

Tebogo isn’t about to make the same mistake. “In the US, there is already a new Michael Johnson coming up, Quincy Wilson. There is always somebody coming up for them. But for Africa, it is rare to see somebody like me,” he added. Tebogo has decided to stay true to his homeland. He’s aware of the challenges but knows staying at home is his best shot at building a sustainable career.

The Botswana government also clearly appreciated what Letsile Tebogo was doing. As a token of appreciation, the Botswanian government has rewarded him with two houses. Despite such big honors, Tebogo remains wrapped in humility. When asked which house he’ll live in, he laughed, saying, “I will rent those two out because I am not going to move out of my mum’s house.” Tebogo is grounded and loyal to his homeland, but Tebogo much like Lyles is not one to stay ignorant to the racks in track and field’s current system.

Tebogo’s rocky season with a lot to look forward to!

Tebogo went on to stack an impressive number of wins this season. Not just with his Olympic wins but also with his 19.64 in Lausanne, 9.87 in Rome, and a meeting record 19.83 in Silesia. Despite the wins, Tebego had to face a major personal setback. His mother passed in May. A challenge that put his limits to the test. Reminiscing her passing, Tebogo went on to say, “It was super-difficult. But my coach and team encouraged me to take things one day at a time.”

Letsile Tebogo’s setbacks, as history tells us, have only pushed him to do better. He remains rooted in Botswana, building his legacy. With plans to aim for 400m success in the future and dreams of Olympic gold in the 100m at the 2028 Games, Tebogo’s journey is far from over. And the world is enthusiastically supporting him. “The support was really amazing to see. There were 80,000 people at the stadium and all along the road. I believe my life has changed and that I have changed a lot of lives in my home country, something I’ve been looking to do for the African continent. I have shown them that against all odds everything is possible,” added Tebogo.

Additionally, Tebogo also hinted at his ambitions to break the 200m record! Yes, that’s right! “I see it but I don’t want to put myself under that pressure. But I think it will come eventually. I won’t have to push it. I don’t have to push it next year. Perhaps when we are 24 we could attempt something like that. But I don’t think it will take long. Looking at what I did today and what I did in the 200m final in Paris, I don’t think it will take that long,” says Tebogo. He also confidently went on to say, “Because I could see it… it’s about 10 metres away from me… we’ll see what we could do about it…” Sprint away Letsile Tebogo, the world is eagerly awaiting!