Olympic 200m gold medallist Letsile Tebogo has urged South Africa’s sprinting prodigy Bayanda Walaza, to relish his journey as a junior athlete without succumbing to the weight of premature expectations.
At just 19, Walaza has already etched his name in athletics history, claiming an Olympic silver medal in the 4x100m relay and securing double gold in the 100m and 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima last year.
As a first-year Supply Chain Management student at Tshwane University of Technology, Walaza has set his sights on the World Senior Championships in Tokyo, where he will compete in both sprint events, an extraordinary feat for an athlete of his age.
Despite Walaza’s meteoric rise, Tebogo, Botswana’s sprint icon, has cautioned against rushing into senior competition. The 23-year-old, who successfully transitioned from junior to senior dominance, emphasized the importance of gradual progression.
Tebogo warned that premature pressure to excel among seniors could lead to burnout, mental health struggles, and an abbreviated career. His advice stems from witnessing many young talents falter under the weight of accelerated expectations.
“I just hope that he is not under pressure to get into the senior ranks. He should go step by step and take it easy because if he tries to push himself too hard, it won’t take long before he’s out of the game—and then South Africa and Africa will be searching for the next Walaza,” Tebogo told SABC Sport.
He further highlighted the psychological toll of rushing development.
“I’ve seen it cause depression, anxiety, and all those types of struggles for athletes. I just hope and pray, he listens and continues his journey wisely.”
Though Tebogo hasn’t yet spoken directly to Walaza, he has followed the young sprinter’s ascent closely. Based on what he’s observed, he believes Walaza possesses the humility and discipline needed to absorb guidance from seasoned athletes.
“Yes, I have heard about him,he’s a good boy. I’m happy that he listens to the advice senior athletes give him, and he’s really coming up great,” Tebogo remarked.
Tebogo stressed the rarity of a smooth transition from junior to senior success. As one of the few athletes who thrived beyond the junior circuit, he attributed his longevity to patience and structured development.
“How many juniors from 2016 to 2022 are still competing at the senior level? I’m one of the only ones who survived. Many were rushed into the senior category too soon, and that’s what ended their careers prematurely,” he explained.
TTebogo’s advice reminds Walaza and young athletes to trust the process, focus on growth, and enjoy the journey..
