Letsile Tebogo, the young sprinting sensation who electrified the Paris Olympics with his stunning 200-meter gold, is not ready to slow down just yet. Fresh off his historic victory, where he set an African record of 19.46 seconds and became the first African to ever win Olympic gold in the 200 meters, Tebogo is back in Europe with his eyes set on more glory.

The 21-year-old’s triumph was more than just a personal victory; it was a moment of pride for an entire continent. Now, as he returns to the track, the stakes are higher, the competition fiercer, and the expectations sky-high. His next challenge? A showdown with American sprinting powerhouse Fred Kerley at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.

Prior, to the awaited showdown Tebogo caused a sensation, in the sprinting community with a tweet. “It’s almost show time.” The mysterious message sparked curiosity among fans and rivals leaving them speculating about its meaning and the identity of the person hinted at. It was evident that he wasn’t planning to go on anyone.

Letsile Tebogo isn’t slowing down after winning the gold medal in the 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Looking ahead to successes Tebogo is now setting his sights on excelling, in the 100 meters. Possibly even the 400 meters. After talking it over with his coach Tebogo is contemplating including the 400 meters in his events. For now, he is staying focused on the 100 meters, as his goal. His ambition is clear: “Now that I’ve won the 200 meters gold, the 100 meters is my main goal.”

African sprinters have not won the 100 meter gold recently with the victory, by South Africas Reggie Walker in 1908. Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks achieved two silver medals in the 100 meters at the 1992 and 1996 Games. Tebogo sees this absence as a source of inspiration rather than a hindrance. “I don’t see it as a disadvantage,” he said. “Instead, it’s an encouragement to make history.”

His triumph, in Paris is a feat, not for Botswana but for the whole African continent. Even after Paris,  though he was gifted two houses by the government as a token of appreciation he intends to continue residing in his late mother Seratiwas home for the time being.

Letsile Tebogo’s emotional return to win Olympic Gold

Letsile Tebogo experienced a loss when his mother, Seratiwa Tebogo passed away while he was getting ready, for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The tragic news came during his competition in Los Angeles deeply affecting the 21-year athlete who shared a bond with her. Losing his mother was especially difficult because she had been there for him during the stages of his career development. Taking a month off to mourn Tebogo faced competition from his peers who were ramping up their training efforts. Despite this situation, he made a comeback by winning the gold medal in the 200 meters, at the Olympics surpassing expectations and showcasing his strength and determination.

Reflecting on his victory, Tebogo shared, “I believe she would be happy for what I did because it is something she always believed I could achieve. She saw the potential in me through thick and thin.” The grief of his mother’s passing initially made him question his future in athletics. “When I found out she had passed away, I thought it was the end of the world for me,” Tebogo said. However, with the support of his team, who encouraged him to take things one day at a time and avoid undue pressure, he gradually found the strength to return to training.

Tebogo showcased his determination by surpassing triple world champion Noah Lyles in the 200-meter race securing a position despite finishing fifth in the 100 meters final at the Paris Olympics. American athlete Kenny Bednarek clinched the silver medal while Lyles settled for bronze.