Raised by a single mother in the village of Kanye, southern Botswana, Letsile Tebogo’s early life was fraught with challenges. Surrounded by an environment where crime was prevalent, Tebogo found solace and direction in sports—a passion that ultimately led him to clinch the men’s Olympic 200m gold medal in August 2024.
Reflecting on his journey, the 21-year-old sprinter candidly shared, “Without sport, I [would] probably be a criminal by now,” in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. He elaborated, “In the neighbourhood that I was growing up in, there were a lot of criminals. We thought that was the only way to survive.”
Sports became the anchor that provided structure to Tebogo’s daily life in Kanye, located approximately 80km from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. Initially, he showcased his athletic prowess as a left winger on the football field. However, during his primary school years, he transitioned to track events, discovering a new avenue to channel his energy and ambition.
The rigorous routine of balancing school and training left little room for distractions. “I knew I had to go from school [to] training, and you are tired. You don’t have plenty of time to roam the streets, to go into people’s houses,” Tebogo noted. Recognizing the transformative power of sports, he endeavored to involve his peers. “Once I discovered that, I tried to pull in a few friends of mine. They are now playing football, and we always talk about how if this [sport] didn’t work out, where would we be?”
Tebogo’s dedication bore fruit spectacularly at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He stormed to victory in the men’s 200m final, setting an African record with a time of 19.46 seconds. This monumental achievement not only marked Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal but also made Tebogo the first African to win the men’s 200m title .
The significance of his victory resonated deeply back home. In recognition of his historic feat, the government of Botswana awarded Tebogo two houses . Furthermore, his success inspired national pride and underscored the potential of sports as a vehicle for personal and communal transformation.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Tebogo has taken on the role of a mentor and advocate. As World Athletics’ global ambassador for the Kids Athletics program, he encourages children to pursue sports as a means to avoid crime . His personal narrative serves as a testament to the profound impact that structured athletic engagement can have on youth, especially those navigating challenging environments.
In December 2024, Tebogo’s stellar performances were globally recognized when he was named the World Athlete of the Year . This accolade not only celebrated his individual achievements but also highlighted the broader significance of his journey—from the streets of Kanye to the pinnacle of world athletics.
Tebogo’s story is a powerful reminder of how passion, discipline, and opportunity can converge to alter the trajectory of one’s life. His experiences underscore the vital role that sports can play in providing alternatives to adversity, fostering community, and inspiring future generations.
