Reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, has declared his intention to chase down one of the most iconic records in track and field, the 200m world record of 19.19 seconds set by Usain Bolt at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
In a recent interview with SABC Sport,the Botswana sprint star revealed that he is now laser-focused on eclipsing the historic mark.
“I will say the African record, whenever I want to break it, I just know where to press and touch and then go for it. I believe the world record is the ultimate goal, the one we’re focusing on and building everything towards,” Tebogo said.
Tebogo set the African 200m record of 19.46 seconds while winning Olympic gold in Paris last year. His rise has made him not only a national hero in Botswana but a continental beacon for young African athletes.
“It’s a tough one, but I believe I’ve inspired a lot of athletes across the globe,” he shared.
“We talk, not necessarily every day—but we check in with each other to help correct mistakes and grow together.”
Reflecting on Botswana’s growing prominence in athletics, Tebogo added.
“What I’ve done, and what my team achieved at the Olympics, is just the tip of the iceberg. I believe Botswana will be even more recognized in the future.”
He credited Namibian sprint legend Frankie Fredericks, a four-time Olympic silver medalist, as a key role model in his journey.
Letsile Tebogo, now a World Athletics’ Kids Athletics programme, aims to give back and inspire the sport’s next generation.
“I mean, for the sponsors, it’s a yes. The attention is too much now,” he admitted.
“We just have to make sure we step correctly because there are a lot of youngsters looking at you. So, it’s about guiding them in the right direction.”
