Make sure to keep an eye out for the name Letsile Tebogo this summer-he’s about to set the track on fire! At just 21 years old, he’s ready to take the world by storm at the Paris Olympics. Well, two weeks before the Games, on 12th July, at the Monaco Diamond League, Tebogo stormed to an impressive victory in the men’s 200m, easing off to a time of 19.87 seconds (+0.6), proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. However, Alexander Ogando came in second with 20.02, and Tarsis Orogot secured third with 20.32. While Tebogo’s performance was a fitting response to Michael Johnson’s remarks made on July 10th.

Johnson made a statement expressing optimism about the US sprinters’ chances at the Paris 2024 Olympics, believing they could secure two podium spots in the 100m event. He pointed to Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek, and Fred Kerley as strong contenders with their valuable championship experience. However, Johnson expressed uncertainty regarding the capabilities of Ferdinand Omanyala, Letsile Tebogo, and Akani Simbine from Africa, while not ruling out the potential of Jamaicans Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville.

As Johnson said, “The U.S. has two World Champs: Noah and Fred. Kenny has deep championship experience at 200m and is running well at 100m… Question is can Africa put two on the podium.“ But Tebogo’s triumph emphatically showed that African sprinters are no longer dark horses. Tebogo proved, “Africans can be sprinters too,” and shows that he is ready to give the competition a run for their money. Well, time and again, Tebogo has shown his prowess on the track, leaving no doubt about his capabilities.

Last year, Tebogo made history by becoming the first African man to secure a world championship medal in the 100m. However, in 2024, Tebogo continues to impress with his talent. But can he beat Noah Lyles?

Rivalry worth watching, Lyles vs. Letsile Tebogo

Earlier this year, Tebogo set a new benchmark with an astonishing 30.69 in the non-Olympic 300m distance, and he maintained this momentum at the 2024 World Relays in May. He led Botswana to Paris qualification with sub-44 splits in both the heats and final of the 4x400m relays. As the first Botswanan man to win a world medal in any event, he is resolute in his quest to bring further glory to a nation that has only two Olympic medals to its name.

At last year’s World Championships in Budapest, Tebogo, the U20 world record holder in the 100m, secured third place in the 200m and second in the 100m, with Noah Lyles of the U.S. clinching gold in both events. Lyles, aged 26, is widely anticipated to be the frontrunner for gold in the 100m and 200m at the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, Tebogo’s achievement of breaking the 300m world record suggests that Lyles will face formidable competition.

Starting the track season with a world record break is like setting the tone from the get-go. Tebogo’s personal best in the 200m, achieved last year at 19.50, while impressive, trails Lyles’ blazing 19.31 American record set in 2022. However, in the same race, Tebogo clocked 19.50, nearly matching Lyles’ 19.46, keeping the competition tight until the finish line. In the 100m, Tebogo’s best is 9.88, while Lyles has a best of 9.83. This sets the stage for a highly intriguing competition, ensuring that both sprinters will need to bring their A-game.