Botswana’s sprint sensation, Letsile Tebogo, radiated confidence and gratitude during the pre-meet press conference ahead of the Rabat Diamond League – Rabat.
The 21-year-old Olympic 200m champion is set to compete in both the 100m and 200m events, marking his first sprint double in the Diamond League circuit.
“It’s good to be back in Africa and see people who know you and love you,” Tebogo shared, emphasizing the comfort and support he feels competing on the continent. “There are no demands; when the season ends, we plan for another. The management is planning everything.”
Acknowledging the physical demands of doubling up, he remarked, “This is the first time I’m doubling up in the Diamond League. I feel like it would be a full one hour to get the legs warming.” Despite the challenge, Tebogo remains focused on performing well without succumbing to pressure. “Winning all races will give me strength, but I don’t want to put pressure over me.”
When asked about his preparations, Tebogo credited his coach for meticulous planning but chose to keep specific strategies confidential. “The coach has done all and corrected all, but I won’t tell you—it’s a secret,” he said with a smile.
Letsile Tebogo stepped onto the Xiamen track earlier this season with a clear goal: to silence his doubters and prove he remains one of sprinting’s most electrifying talents.
Yet, the race didn’t go as planned. A disappointing seventh-place finish left critics questioning whether the Olympic 200m champion had lost his edge. Tebogo responded perfectly ,storming back with a statement win at the Doha Diamond League.
Letsile Tebogo dominance
Tebogo’s journey has been marked by remarkable achievements. He first gained international attention at the 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi, winning gold in the 100m. In 2022, he made history by achieving the 100m-200m double at the World U20 Championships in Cali, setting a U20 world record in the 100m with 9.91 seconds and winning the 200m in 19.96 seconds. His transition to senior competition was seamless, earning silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. In 2024, he clinched Olympic gold in the 200m with a personal best of 19.46 seconds.
At the Rabat Diamond League, Tebogo will face formidable opponents in both events. In the 100m, he will compete against Africa`s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, Jamaican sprint legend Yohan Blake, a multiple Olympic and World Championships medalist, and Canadian star Andre De Grasse, the 2020 Olympic 200m champion and Diamond League titleholder. The 200m lineup also promises high-caliber competition, setting the stage for thrilling races.
As Tebogo continues to inspire with his performances and humility, fans eagerly anticipate his races in Rabat, confident that he will deliver electrifying performances on the track.
