It seems luck has finally run out for Letsile Tebogo. After all, things have been going sensationally for the sprinter from Botswana since Paris 2024. Back then, it was a gold medal in the 200m with which Tebogo started his winning streak. And with this same confidence, when the 2025 season started, he came to add more gold to his name. And guess what, the Xiamen Diamond League was an opportunity to do just that for him. But while fans and Letsile himself thought things would be easy, what awaited him was a rude awakening. So what happened?

Well, for one, Xiamen was stacked this time. And competing in the men’s 100m finals were names like Christian Coleman, Akani Simbine, Ferdinand Omanyala, and more. And while everyone was expecting a clinic from the Olympian, he only managed a meager 10.20 seconds, as Akani Simbine claimed the first spot. His time? A sensational 9.99-second run. As for Letsile, he could only manage the 7th spot. But while the rest of the community shared the shock, there was one name that had some interesting bits to share. Enter Coach Rob.

David E. Robinson, aka Coach Rob, is a track and field expert, and in the latest episode of Coach Rob Track and Field, he started by saying that Tebogo is currently focusing on shorter sprints. However, speaking about his recent debacle, Coach Rob stated that the Botswana star did not perform well in the Xiamen DL at all. But then, he went on to state that Tebogo is one of the best sprinters at the moment.

For example, the track and field coach stated that last year in Paris, nobody gave Tebogo a chance amidst all the big names. Heaping praises on Tebogo, coach Rob said, “I wasn’t paying attention because there were just so many heavy hitters in that race. I just, I guess, maybe didn’t realize that he was one of them until he went to 200, which was kind of like a reminder because he’s probably the most like comprehensively talented sprinter that we have in the game.” 

Coach Rob also pointed out that at the moment, the only other name he can think of is Fred Kerley. Thus, while retreating to Tebogo’s Diamond League performance, coach Rob was ready to give the benefit of the doubt. “I’m going to give it to Le Cel just by a hair, but this is still his season opener for the most part in the 100,” said coach Rob.

He also concluded his statement by saying that Tebogo will definitely come back and improve his timings drastically later this year. Meanwhile, there is no doubt that Letsile Tebogo is one of the shining stars in track and field. But according to the Olympic champion, if not for sports, he would have probably ended up in jail. Now that sounds seriously scary.

How Letsile Tebogo outran a life of crime through sport

Without sport, Letsile Tebogo believes his life would have spiraled down a dangerous path. Growing up in a tough neighborhood in southern Botswana, the Olympic 200m champion credits athletics and football for steering him away from crime. “Without sport, I [would] probably be a criminal by now,” Tebogo confessed to BBC Sport Africa. 

With his days structured around school and training, he avoided the streets and their lurking dangers. “You don’t have plenty of time to roam the streets, to go into people’s houses,” he explained. Tebogo’s journey wasn’t just personal. Recognizing the impact sport had on him, he made efforts to pull his friends into athletics and football too, ensuring they all stayed on the right path.

“We always talk about how if this [sport] didn’t work out, where would we be?” he shared. Now, as an ambassador for World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics program, Tebogo is determined to inspire the next generation. “Athletics has given me so many opportunities, and I want young people to believe in themselves, dream big, and enjoy the sport,” he said.

Even today, revisiting his old training grounds reminds him how far he’s come. “You just have to capitalize on the little you have and make sure you pursue your goals,” Tebogo reflected, embodying the very hope he now champions for others.