Before the 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic, one question echoed across the track and field world: Was Letsile Tebogo just out of form—or were deeper warning signs flashing? Just weeks ago, the Botswanan sprinter had stumbled to a disappointing ninth-place finish in the men’s 100m at the Rabat Diamond League. “Today’s performance wasn’t what I had hoped for. I’m currently dealing with a recurring injury, which hasn’t been easy,” Tebogo had admitted to fans. After that, silence. Not a single race appearance until July 5. So when the world’s eyes turned to Hayward Field, anticipation met uncertainty. Could he really take on red-hot competitors like Kenny Bednarek in such a shape? Then came the twist…

On the eve of the race, Kenny Bednarek—unbeaten in the men’s 200m this season—was forced to withdraw due to tightness in his leg. It was a blow for fans hoping for a head-to-head clash, but suddenly, the spotlight shifted. With Bednarek out, the question changed: Would this be Tebogo’s opportunity to reclaim his throne? And he didn’t just answer it. He showed it. He owned it!

Tebogo scorched the track at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking a world-leading 19.76 seconds in the men’s 200m. Then, in his victory celebration, he struck a pose—placing an imaginary crown atop his head. A message to critics? A nod to rivals? The crowd buzzed with speculation. But Tebogo played it cool. “I mean, for me, it’s a great performance,” he said afterward. “I’m looking at how many weeks I’ve missed from training, and putting out this kind of performance, it shows that people should not get worried, because I lost so many weeks of training just to get into recovery and get back into training again.” So that was his request to the track and field community. And the crown celebration?

“I mean, there’s no meaning behind it,” The Olympic champion responded.  “But however people interpret it, they can interpret it. For me, I just found it so funny, because it’s something that came out from playing Fortnite, because that’s what I play most of the time, so it just came out from there.” In a single race, Tebogo reminded the world who he is—resilient, explosive, and just a little playful. The crown may have started as a video game gesture, but on the track that day, it looked a lot like a symbol of something real: a king reclaiming his territory. Now, speaking about confidence, Tebogo also mentioned how he had been maintaining it all the way.

“I mean, I wasn’t really much confident. I just had to picture perfect the London Diamond League when we broke the African record, and make sure I try by all means to make it align to that one,” the Botswana athlete said. But at the same time, he kept the room for further improvement open: “But with this one, I’m happy, because we are not there where we want to be, so I believe each and every Diamond League will be one step ahead.” However, Tebogo has an American legend in his support. 

Letsile Tebogo earns support from an American legend 

After Letsile Tebogo’s underwhelming showing at the Rabat Diamond League, the track and field world didn’t hold back—and neither did Chris Chavez. “I need someone to step in and push him to the finish line or beat him,” the prominent track analyst posted. “Courtney Lindsey was close in Doha! Kenny has looked like a man on a mission this season.” Chavez wasn’t rooting against Tebogo—quite the opposite. He wanted the Olympic champion back at his best. The frustration wasn’t just about one off day; it was about a streak of performances that made fans wonder if the shine was wearing off. For Chavez and many others, watching a talent like Tebogo falter repeatedly just didn’t sit right. The solution? Force him into the fire. Make him uncomfortable on the track. Bring out the best by testing the worst. But amid the noise, one veteran voice brought a calm dose of reality.

Enter Justin Gatlin. Never one to sugarcoat, the former world champion delivered a timely reminder. “They’re young athletes, and they’re going to comprise a young team,” he said after the ASA Grand Prix’s 400m event in Pretoria—where Tebogo was handed another loss, this time by Bayapo Ndori. “So they’re going to take a couple of their L’s and a couple of their losses along the way.” Gatlin’s words hit a distinct note. While critics saw signs of decline, Gatlin saw the natural rhythm of growth. Losses weren’t signs of collapse, but stepping stones in the journey of rising stars. So where does that leave Tebogo? Caught between expectation and evolution, greatness and growing pains. The fire around him is real—but maybe, just maybe, it’s what he needs to blaze brighter than ever before.