Olympic 200 champion Letsile Tebogo has scaled new heights in fame, and hopefully fortune after Botswana’s government used his image in their local currency.
In the new bills issued on the eve of World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, Tebogo’s smiling face appears in the currency beaming his infectious smile.
The gesture has caused much thrill in his native Botswana where he is a cult hero. Tebogo is set to face the best in the world in Tokyo when he races in the 100m and 200m races.
Owing to his great popularity and modesty, the 50 Pula note bearing Tebogo’s image could end up being the most coveted of all Botswana’s currency. It is certainly the first one among athletes to appear in currency, mostly a preserve for African dictators.
Tebogo is set to face some of the best athletes in his quest to win gold medals in the 100m and 200m individual races in Tokyo.
American Noah Lyles is the defending champion and has recently regained his form while Jamaican Kishane Thompson has registered very impressive times and is enjoying a great form over the 100m race.
Tebogo will have to be at his absolute best to unseat Lyles and trump Thompson alongside other challengers including South Africa’s Akani Simbine, Ackeem Blake and Oblique Sevile both of Jamaica.
The Botswana athlete won became the first African to win the Olympic 200m gold is among the favorites to win the half0lap race in Tokyo. His preparation has been low key but recent narrow loss to Noah Lyles over the distance exhibited a return to his best form.
He had early season struggles and pulled out of some races but recent showing have raised hopes of victory over 200m. The half-lap sprint is his best and most preferred discipline.
However, Tebogo shocked the world when he inspired Botswana to a rare 4x400m silver medal at the Paris Olympics last year. Running the final leg, Tebogo chased down the Americans who had a healthy lead and nearly caught up with Rai Benjamin.
Tebogo is also the Kids Ambassador for World Athletics and recently pleaded the case of neglected African child.
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