After Letsile Tebogo’s Family Issued Humble Request to ‘Insensitive’ Media, Track & Field Community Showered Heartfelt Support: “Rest Peacefully”

The loss of a mother is very profound and painful, and nobody feels it more accurately than grieving Letsile Tebogo, who received the heartbreaking news of his mother’s demise on Sunday, May 19. At the time, he was engaged in his track and field commitments. The 20-year-old sprinter had just secured second place in the USA’s Los Angeles Grand Prix 100-meter competition moments before learning of his mother’s passing. The news, revealed by media outlets with little empathy, left everyone in shock.

Along with the silver, Letsile Tebogo also received two honors at the Botswana Sports Awards, which were hosted at the Royal Aria Convention Center later that day. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the heartbreaking news reached him. @TrackGazette was one of the first outlets to break the news on X. And so, Botswana’s sprint sensation found out in the most hurtful way—through headlines—leaving no room for privacy. 

Tebogo posted a statement on his Facebook page on Monday morning. While in the United States, the sprint star, also known as SchoolBoy, found out about the passing of his mother. The family claims he found out about her death from the media and regrets that they were not given the dignity to handle the news of her death. The family and Tebogo criticized this, stating in their words: “We condemn the insensitive behaviour of those who chose to prioritise “breaking the news” over empathy.” 

From the archives, the mother-son team was adored by many when Tebogo became the World Championship silver medalist in August 2023. As he became the first African athlete to win a medal in the 100m at the World Athletics Championship, his mother said those typical awkward things that any other mother would. However, Seratiwa Tebogo, Letsile Tebogo’s mother, proudly shared, “To say I’m proud is an understatement.” She added, “It’s more about Africa than Botswana and a young boy putting Africa on the map at such a global level. It’s so joyful and prideful.”

Looking back, these moments eventually make anyone understand the pain Letsile Tebogo must be going through. Despite the media’s insensitive coverage, the track and field community rallied around Tebogo with heartfelt support and condolences.

Fans offer condolences for Letsile Tebogo’s loss

The track and field community came together to support Tebogo wholeheartedly. Fans and other athletes sent prayers along with remembrance and words of support. Some, still in shock with the news breaking out, wrote, “Oh wow rest peacefully”

Tebogo’s season got off to a fantastic start, hiding any potential issues at home. He established a 300-meter world record and a 400-meter personal best in South Africa. He recently placed second in the 100m in the USTAF Los Angeles Grand Prix and finished second in the 200m at the Kip Keino Classic. For the young athlete, who frequently gave credit to his family for their constant support during his career, the loss of his mother was a huge personal blow. However, it looks like people had already begun suspecting something was wrong as someone said, “No wonder I kept seeing botswanans report that he’d been leaving worrisome messages on social media… Smh.. You never know what people are going through”

Some emphasized his fortitude and resilience, believing that his mother’s spirit would continue to guide him. Meanwhile, the lack of empathy from the media was lessoned by another who wrote, “I hope and A he will me mentall strong to deal with the loss of his dear mother while training and competing”

Being the gem of Botswana, the loss felt personal for many in Letsile Tebogo’s country as one commented, “A very sad day for our country”

“Sending prayers,” wrote another well-wisher.

As Letsile Tebogo’s family handled the insensitivity of some media outlets, the track and field community’s tremendous support came as a much-needed comfort. The outpouring of love and support showed the genuine meaning of sportsmanship and unity, reminding us all of the need to show compassion during difficult times.