The world watched in awe as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo stormed to victory in the men’s 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, clocking an African record of 19.46 seconds.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo made history, becoming Botswana’s first Olympic champion and proving that African sprinters can dominate on the biggest stage.
His triumph over American stars Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek was a symbolic shift in sprinting’s long-standing power dynamics. For decades, the sport had been ruled by the USA and Jamaica, with legends like Usain Bolt and Carl Lewis setting seemingly unbeatable standards. But Tebogo saw an opportunity where others saw a barrier.
“That’s always been my goal, to snap their dominance,” Tebogo told Al Jazeera after his Olympic victory.
“It was sad to see only two nations rule the sport for decades. I wanted to make a breakthrough for African athletes.”
Africa’s Sprinting Revolution
Tebogo’s success is more than just a flash in the pan. His 2024 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year award and his recent 20.23-second 200m win at the 2025 Botswana Golden Grand Prix (April 12, 2025) confirm his staying power. But beyond his own achievements, Tebogo is inspiring a new generation of African sprinters to believe in themselves.
“Africans are stepping up, and we see an increased number of African athletes in global competitions,” he said.
“I dream of an all-African lineup at the Olympics one day.”
His impact is already visible.
“It’s still early days, but I’ve definitely seen athletes shed a layer of self-doubt,” he observed.
“They are no longer afraid of coming forward to showcase their talent.”
Why Botswana’s Support Makes the Difference
Unlike many elite sprinters who train abroad, Tebogo chose to stay in Botswana, crediting his nation’s unique support system for his success.
“It’s different in every country,” he explained.
“When you get to my country, they understand, they know, and they feel when to just let me be.”
Botswana’s fans strike the perfect balance, celebrating his achievements while giving him space to grow.
“All I can say is that Botswana will take care of a gem perfectly, more than the US can,” he said.
In a nation with few sprinting icons, Tebogo stands as a beacon of hope, proving that homegrown talent can thrive without leaving African soil.
As Tebogo prepares for the 2025 World Championships, his mission is clear: to inspire Africa to sprint without fear. His victories are a call to action for the next wave of African athletes.
