Fresh off his Olympic gold medal, Letsile Tebogo isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Weeks after his blazing 19.46-second finish at the City of Love in the men’s 200m final, the Botswanan sprinter has done it again, this time in Chorzow, Poland. At the Silesia Diamond League, the 21-year-old clinched yet another major victory to show his prowess in the 200m and is now looking to show his critics the exit.

Just yesterday, Tebogo was the talk of the town within the track and field community after his claims that Usain Bolt’s 200-meter world record could fall prey to him. Fans couldn’t hold back on their smirks after the runner’s comments, but Tebogo seems to be taking the entire thing in good spirits.

In his post on X from August 25, Letsile took a dig at the naysayers after he won the men’s 200-meter race in the Silesia Diamond League in 19.83 seconds. “If they don’t hate you, know you not doing something right,” reads the caption of his social media post, and the indication shouldn’t go unnoticed by anyone who’s been following Tebogo’s recent trajectory after the Paris Games.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Tebogo was reluctant to be a part of the 200-meter world record conversation but seems to have renewed confidence in himself since bagging his maiden Olympic gold. While fans believe Noah Lyles’ contagious personality has infected Tebogo, the latter is proving his salt on every occasion ever since the Monaco Diamond League in July this year. And now, with his latest victory in Poland, Tebogo is determined to put an end to the shades that have come his way ever since he hinted at taking down the Jamaican phenom from his high seat in the 200m.

Tebogo’s victory in Chorzow bolsters his worth as a prolific runner in the distance. Just last week at Lausanne, Tebogo won gold at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland, crossing the finishing line in the men’s 200m in 19.64 seconds. His triumph in Silesia wasn’t as grand as that from August 22, Tebogo wasn’t hesitant to acknowledge his sluggish performance. However, if there’s one thing that sets him apart from his colleagues, it’s his humility.

Letsile Tebogo has miles to go before calling it quits

After his feat in the French capital, Letsile was heard talking about why he shouldn’t still be considered the face of athletics just yet. Along with his reluctance to take up the mantle, Tebogo also took a sly shot at Lyles’ eccentric personality and underscored that his own groundedness restricts him from seeking the spotlight too much. Instead, he’s more content staying away from prying eyes while developing his skills. Considering how the sprinting star had to go through the emotional turmoil of losing his mother just two months before the 2024 Paris Games, Tebogo’s unwillingness to bask in the glory under the limelight was understandable.

However, it looks now that he is coming around from the tragedy that befell his life and is coming for everything on the table. Rising from humble beginnings, Tebogo has come a long way. And still, he knows that life on the tracks isn’t a permanent thing and is already building his fort in a way that he can sustain himself even after his running days are over. “I need to have a solid plan to increase the number of cattles. It’s an investment for me because athletics is not a long-term career,” Letsile was heard saying, explaining why his focus on farming is resolute.

However, it does seem that he has some major milestones to cross before he hangs up his boots for good. What do you think? Does he have it in him to dethrone the iconic Usain Bolt? Tell us where you foresee Tebogo in the men’s 200m all-time list in the comments!