In the scorching heat of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a new legend was forged as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo blazed across the finish line, claiming the men’s 200m gold with an African record of 19.46 seconds. He wasn’t just running; he was writing history, leaving American powerhouses Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek in his wake.

At a mere 21 years old, Tebogo became Botswana’s very first Olympic gold medalist, a monumental achievement that sent ripples of pride across the entire continent. And just recently, on April 12, 2025, Tebogo thrilled his home crowd at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix with a comfortable 20.23-second victory in the 200m. Recognized as the 2024 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year, Tebogo’s ascent is a shining example for African sprinting. But how did he manage to break through in a sport that has been so consistently dominated by others for so long?

For decades, the sprinting world has been a stage largely owned by the USA and Jamaica. Legends like Usain Bolt and Carl Lewis set an incredibly high bar, with Jamaica amassing 10 medals and the USA a staggering 29 in the 100m at the World Championships since 1983. Their grip on the sport seemed unbreakable, a narrative of speed largely written in the Americas. However, Tebogo saw not a ceiling, but an opportunity. His 200m triumph in Paris, where he outran even the 100m champion Lyles, wasn’t just a win—it was a powerful declaration. Can one individual truly shift the global balance of an entire sport?

“That’s always been my goal, to snap their dominance,” Tebogo candidly shared with Al Jazeera, reflecting on his Olympic victory. “It was sad to see only two nations rule the sport for decades. I wanted to make a breakthrough for African athletes. I aspired to be the one to make it happen and then take in the world’s response. And that reaction has been heartwarming.” His words resonate far beyond personal glory; Tebogo envisions a future where African sprinters stand tall and proud. “Africans are stepping up and we see an increased number of African athletes in global competitions,” he added. “I dream of an all-African lineup at the Olympics one day.” What kind of impact will this have on the next generation of athletes?

Tebogo’s victories are more than just shiny medals; they are a powerful spark igniting new belief. “It’s still early days but I’ve definitely seen athletes shed a layer of self-doubt,” he observed. “They are no longer afraid of coming forward to showcase their talent.” As he now prepares for the 2025 World Championships, Tebogo’s mission is crystal clear: to inspire an entire continent to run with fearless abandon. The question that remains is, will his dream of an African sprinting renaissance truly come to fruition?

Tebogo cherishes the support he receives in Botswana

In Botswana, Letsile Tebogo isn’t just a phenomenal sprinter—he’s a cherished national treasure. This 2024 Olympic 200m champion openly credits his homeland’s unique support system for keeping him grounded while simultaneously launching him to global stardom. Unlike many of his peers who chase glory in bustling training camps in the USA or Jamaica, Tebogo chose to stay right at home, thriving on the deep love and ample space that Botswana so generously offers. His remarkable journey to becoming the 2024 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year unfolded right there in Gaborone. But what exactly makes Botswana’s embrace so incredibly special?

“It’s different in every country,” Tebogo shared with  last November. “When you get to my country, they understand, they know and they feel when to just let me be.” Unlike the often-relentless spotlight he’d face in other nations, Botswana’s fans instinctively give him the room he needs to breathe, perfectly balancing their adulation with a deep respect for his personal space. “All I can say is that Botswana will take care of a gem perfectly, more than the US can,” he added, a testament to the nation’s protective nature. In a country with relatively few sprinting icons, Tebogo shines as a truly rare diamond, not just another star lost in a crowded sky. How will this unique and nurturing support system shape his future ambitions and continued rise?