Letsile Tebogo set the sprinting world on fire with his electrifying victory in the men’s 200 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics. In a race that will go down in history, Tebogo not only secured Africa’s first gold in the event but also left American sprinting star Noah Lyles trailing with a bronze finish. Tebogo’s win was nothing short of a game-changer, especially as Lyles, the reigning champion, was also outpaced by silver medalist Kenny Bednarek. Following the Games, Tebogo took to social media to reflect on the intense competition, sharing his thoughts as the Wanda Diamond League highlighted his historic achievement.

Tebogo’s triumph at the Paris Olympics wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a beacon of hope for his entire continent. As the first African, man or woman, to claim gold in the 200m event at the Olympics, he set a new African record of 19.46 seconds, cementing his place in history. His victory is more than just a medal; it’s a message to all Africans that no matter the obstacles, greatness is within reach.

At just 21 years old, Tebogo’s star is still rising. He’s now set to compete at the Athletissima event in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of the 2024 Wanda Diamond League. During a press conference before the race, Tebogo opened up about the overwhelming reception he received back home in Gaborone, Botswana, after his stunning performance in Paris. The pride of his nation and the entire continent, his compatriots left no stones unturned in his welcom.

“The support was really amazing, 80,000 plus people at the stadium and along the road to welcome me home. I believe my life has changed and I also believe I have changed a lot of lives in my country and it is something I have been looking forward to, not only in my country but also for the African continent because I have shown them that against all odds, everything is possible,” said Tebogo.

Tebogo, who made history by winning a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships, in Budapest in 2023 is now setting his sights on becoming the African to clinch a Diamond League title in the 100m or 200m race. “It has been a good journey so far and hopefully it will continue to be this good for me,” he added.

However, this all came after Letsile shrugged Noah Lyles in a press conference.

Letsile Tebogo’s thoughts on becoming the face of track and field

Letsile Tebogo’s victory in the 200 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics was nothing short of a monumental moment for athletics, marking the first-ever African gold medal in that event. It was a race that shook the track and field world, especially as Noah Lyles, the American sprinting sensation who had just claimed gold in the 100 meters, found himself outpaced. Lyles, who later revealed he had been battling COVID-19, was seen leaving the track in a wheelchair, a stark contrast to the triumph many had expected for him.

In the post-race press conference, Tebogo was asked if he saw himself as the new face of track and field. His response was both humble and telling: “I think, for me, I can’t be the face of athletics because I’m not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah (Lyles). So, I believe Noah is the face of athletics.” Whether Tebogo’s words were a subtle critique or simply a reflection of his own quiet demeanor, they underscored the stark contrast between his humble approach and Lyles’ more outspoken personality.

Despite the setback, Lyles showed true sportsmanship, congratulating Tebogo both in person at the event and later online, where he shared the news of his withdrawal from the Olympics due to his COVID-19 diagnosis. Tebogo’s historic achievement, however, seems to be accompanied by a modesty that continues to spark conversation. In a world where confidence often borders on arrogance, Tebogo’s humility stands out as a testament to his character, even as he reaches new heights in his career.