Letsile Tebogo has always said an Olympic medal would not just be for Botswana but the continent of Africa, and he duly delivered on Thursday by becoming the first African to be crowned 200m Olympic champion.
The 21-year-old produced a stunning run in Paris to leave pre-race favorite Noah Lyles trailing in third.
In fact, Tebogo is only the second athlete from Africa to even win a medal in the 200m.
Namibian Frankie Fredericks had blazed the way for Tebogo by winning the second of his two silvers in Atlanta in 1996.
Tebogo set an African record of 19.46sec in the Stade de France to put the cherry on the cake.
Tebogo noted that traditionally, Africans were recognized for long-distance events such as the marathon and quarter mile.
He aimed to shift this perception by demonstrating that Africans can excel in sprinting as well.
Tebogo is proud of his background and listens to traditional Botswanan songs prior to races.
He also operates on a set of strong principles.
He emphasized the importance of respecting and dedicating oneself to one’s craft and showcasing cultural heritage.
He advised against abandoning cultural roots in favor of city life, urging individuals to continue promoting their culture to reveal their true essence.
Devastating Loss
Tebogo’s Olympic achievement is even more impressive having been hit very hard by the death of his greatest fan, his beloved mother Seratiwa, in May.
His mother had faithfully followed her son around, slipping into Budapest without Tebogo knowing to watch him become the first male Botswanan athlete to win world championship medals last year.
She highlighted several standout achievements, including his historic performances in Kenya in 2021, his status as the first Motswana to win a medal at the World Championships last year, and breaking the 200m African record that had stood for over 27 years.
It wasn’t always easy for the single mum to handle Tebogo, as well as a daughter who is nine years younger.
Letsile was always very active as a child; she would be chopping vegetables while he hid under the table, picking them and eating them raw.
Tebogo gave up his first sporting love, football, as he did not take well to being substituted.
‘Boy Next Door’
However, Tebogo also realised if he became an athlete there was a better chance of him being “able to put food on the family’s table” and repay his mother for all her sacrifices.
Nevertheless, as he grew up with his extended family, he still had to train for athletics and play football without shoes. He told NBC, “everything had to be equal.”
He called his mother his “rock” — and she did everything for her son.
She recalled putting her interests on hold and emptying her savings to be with him. She noted that their relationship has evolved beyond that of mother and son, now resembling more of a sibling bond, especially since it was just the two of them for a long time.
She provided stability off the track while his coach Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyane provided it in his athletics career.
However, it was his mom who ruled the roost in almost every respect.
“He is the boy next door,” she said.
“You should see him at the cattlepost doing everything any Motswana child does.”
Nevertheless she had bought a new car this year for his birthday — giving it to him early as he was to leave for a meet.
Her death left him bereft.
Tebogo posted on social media that it no longer feels like his birthday and he doubts he will enjoy it.
Most of all, she was not there to see her boy crowned Olympic champion.
With AFP
