Hi  Letsile Tebogo does not want kids to go through the same hardship as him. Tebogo has a humble background, born in Kanye, a small village in Botswana, Tebogo did not have access to most of the modern track and field amenities. In fact, apart from Jamaica, not many Africans were doing great in the track realm. Thus, the Botswana icon decided to take on the challenge and put his country’s name on the premier track and field list. Well, now that he has done so, Tebogo has one more wish to fulfill.

The Olympic gold medal winner stated that he will be looking to encourage more and more kids to get into track and field. In a recent interaction, Botswana’s national hero had an announcement to make for all of the 2.7 million people of his country. He stated that he wants to take more and more kids out of the neighborhood that still lacks significantly in terms of track and field amenities. Thankfully, this time, the kids will not have to worry about finding the proper guidance. They all will be served on a platter mantra to elevate themselves in the sport. 

“And right now, we are on a campaign to take as many kids to get into a sporting course to help them get out of the neighborhood that we grew up in,” said Tebogo. He also continued pointing out that while the campaign might look a bit challenging, the response has been overwhelming. Trying to achieve a certain goal, Tebogo mentioned how he has been receiving significant reciprocations to get heavily encouraged. 

Tebogo also had a message for the kids who aspire to be an athlete someday down the line. He stated that perseverance and practice are the ultimate keys. “They should just run. They shouldn’t give up on their dreams, because Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took years to build up to where I am right now,” said Tebogo. Meanwhile, while he spoke about his noble mission, Tebogo also reflected on how his Olympic victory helped him materialize his dreams.

Letsile Tebogo sprints towards turning Olympic gold into a mission for change

Letsile Tebogo’s Olympic gold in the men’s 200m has done more than make history. It has redefined his life and mission. The 21-year-old sprinter from Botswana has transformed his athletic triumph into a platform for change, crediting the sport for rescuing him from a potentially dark path. Reflecting on the harsh realities of his childhood in Kanye, Letsile himself admitted, “Without sport, I [would] probably be a criminal by now.”

His victory in Paris wasn’t just a win for the record books. Rather it was a declaration of what’s possible. He now uses his platform to motivate youth through the World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics program. Earlier this month, Tebogo was named the ambassador for the Kids’ Athletics, and his role will be significant in the Relay Around the World Challenge that will kick off with 1000 local schoolchildren in his home country, Botswana. Yet, he remains grounded. Contrasting his quiet approach to fame with peers like Noah Lyles, Tebogo stated, “I will always shy away from that because that’s just who I am.”

Now adjusting his focus to upcoming challenges, including a homecoming race in Gaborone, Tebogo’s legacy is quickly expanding beyond the track. “My people want to see what I did at the Olympics. That’s what we are planning to give them,” he said. For Tebogo, the gold medal wasn’t a finish line. Instead, it was just the start of something far more powerful.