Kenny Bednarek has finally gotten his revenge for the Paris Olympics. The US track star was unsuccessful in bringing the gold medal home due to Letsile Tebogo’s incredible performance. He could only manage a silver medal despite running at a time of 19.62 seconds, as the Motswana athlete ran in 19.46. But, during the Brussels Diamond League finals, the roles seemed to get reversed.

Kenny Bednarek went on to win the gold with a time of 19.67. Letsile Tebogo could only take second place with a time of 19.80 seconds. This was the Olympic gold medallist’s first defeat after seven consecutive wins in the track since April. Thus, despite having a great season, this loss might haunt him as it hinders the brilliant run of form he was in.

Now that the new season approaches, there might be a thought lingering in his mind. It is that the competition in the category is increasing. With Kenny Bednarek in such stupendous form and a fitter Noah Lyles due to return on track, it will take a lot from Tebogo to replicate this season’s exploits. He must try to do what is needed, however, considering his newfound status as a hero in his country.

After the race, Letsile Tebogo talked about how he is now considered a superstar in his country and it is becoming incredibly difficult for him to step out of his house. He said, “I’m not a free human being these days. I’m a superstar in my country, which I don’t like because I can’t even go to the mall and get something for myself. I have to send somebody to do it.” While he does seem to have a point, the track community did not react to this well.

Fans were quick to criticize Tebogo on both his comments about his superstar status and his defeat to Kenny Bednarek. He was accused of faking his humble personality and asked to stop racing if he doesn’t enjoy the fame. Many even went on to say that his popularity only exists in his own country and he wouldn’t be recognized if he were in the US.

Letsile Tebogo gets trolled heavily on social media after Diamond League defeat

One user said, “The fake humble one took the L lol. Good job, Kenny.” This narrative stems from Letsile Tebogo’s comments on Noah Lyles. After winning the gold medal, he made it clear that he would never be as famous as the US athlete. This is because he was not as ‘arrogant or loud’ as him. Thus, these claims made fans say that he fakes his humility. Another user said, “Tebogo went out too hard.” This implied that the Motswana athlete ran too fast in the beginning, only to gas out later. However, this could be because of fatigue caused by a long season.

The people also criticized his comments on not enjoying his superstardom. One user said, “Why is he lying? Haha.” Another one took it a bit too far, saying that if he doesn’t enjoy the fame, he should quit the sport. This is because the popularity comes as a territory within track. They said, “He should stop running…js.”Another fan talked about how Letsile Tebogo is not popular in the US at all. “If you want to be an anonymous track star, come to the US,” he said. While the criticism he’s receiving might be a bit harsh, he must improve himself in the off season. Only then will he be able to maintain his status as one of the best track athletes in the world.