Letsile Tebogo–a name that has become a classic on the track. You will recall that spectacular performance at the Paris Olympics where Tebogo stunned everyone, including Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, to claim the 200m gold. It was the dream moment every sprinter wishes for, yet behind that shining victory lay an ache: his mother, Seratiwa, wasn’t there to cheer him on from the stands. After a brief illness, she had tragically passed away on May 19 this year when he was just 20.

But heartbreakingly, Letsile Tebogo wasn’t by her side when it happened. Instead, he was racing in the 100m at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, learning of her passing only after he crossed the finish line. While grieving, he turned his sorrow into determination and aimed at the Summer Games. In a sweet gesture after his triumph at the Olympics, he gestured for a shoe–a symbol to his mom. And now, Letsile has shared how his mom felt during the 2023 World Championships as she watched him etch his name into the history books.

Letsile Tebogo reveals his mother’s reaction!

In Netflix’s latest series Sprint, Season 2, Episode 4, Letsile Tebogo revealed how his mother felt joy during his 2023 World Championships race in Budapest. Reflecting on the event, Tebogo said, “When I went to Budapest, that’s where everything clicked for me. That was my biggest championship. The stadium was full of people. My mom, she’s just all smiles. The tears of joy were rolling down her cheeks. I was the happiest human being ever.”

And Letsile Tebogo’s mother’s pride, as she saw him rise on the world stage, was undeniable. As she shared after his 2023 race, “I’m so proud that he put Africa on the map. It’s Africa before Botswana, so we are really thrilled.” As the Olympics approached, Letsile Tebogo opened up about the profound impact of his mother’s passing, a loss that shook his training and spirit to the core. “Preparations have been going on,” he explained, “but we had a bit of a hurdle. We just lost two, three weeks of not training because of my mom’s death.”

Her illness had struck in late April, and the news soon after left him reeling. This heartbreak, he confessed, “just took over everything from me,” making it hard to move forward. But Tebogo found a new purpose, dedicating his Olympic journey to her memory. “The main goal for me at the Olympics is running in the name of my mom. That’s where the dedication comes in.” And with that promise to guide him, he soared to Olympic gold, honoring her with every powerful stride.

And what about the story behind Letsile Tebogo’s historic run at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest? Tebogo emerged as the first-ever African world medalist in the men’s 100 meters, at just 20 years old, and set a personal best time of 9.88 seconds, only five hundredths of a second behind America’s Noah Lyles. Throughout every stride and achievement, Letsile Tebogo’s mother was there, supporting him on his journey to the international stage. However, as he prepared for the Olympics, her journey alongside him came to a heartbreaking pause. So, what was the bond that fueled Tebogo’s rise, and how did his mother’s love and encouragement shape his path?

The Tebogo affair

As Letsile Tebogo stands at the peak of his career, it’s hard to miss the quiet yet profound influence behind his journey—his mother, Seratiwa. Much of the credit for his stunning success belongs to her, his guiding star. Once an athlete herself, Seratiwa later worked as a secretary and raised her son as a single mother, blending support with a unique, light-hearted camaraderie. She often described their bond as closer to that of siblings than of parent and child, a closeness she revealed in a conversation with the BBC.

Contrary to guiding Tebogo step by step to succeed in every area of his life, Seratiwa encouraged him to chase his goals. She advised him to dedicate himself to sports rather than focusing on his academic achievements. This freedom and faith in his passion paid off big time, as he rose to become the youngest champion in African athletics and showcased his potential on a stage she had always dreamt of.

Yet, despite their unbreakable bond, Tebogo’s greatest strength was tested when he lost his mother in May this year. Her passing left an irreplaceable void. “I’ve had such a huge blow that affected me deeply, so I’m still trying to get the confidence back into the body. It’s not about injuries; it is all about my mum,” Tebogo shared, shedding light on the depth of his loss. Indeed, their connection was a sacred one, one that not only shaped him into an athletic phenomenon but remains woven into every step he takes forward.