Letsile
Tebogo
Botswana
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Fitness Training
Date of birth | 7 June 2003 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Kanye |
Age | 22 |
Nationality | Botswana |
Career start | 2021 |
Disciplines | Running 100 m / Running 200 m / Running 400 m |
Born in Kanye, Botswana, Letsile Tebogo rose from humble beginnings to become a world-class sprinter. Raised by his mother, Seratiwa, who emphasised the importance of education while supporting his athletic development, his natural speed was clear to see even from a young age.
Running sub-10 seconds as a junior
While Africa has long been associated with distance running, Tebogo emerged as one of the leading figures in the continent's growing presence in sprinting. His talent was first highlighted on a global stage in 2021 at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, when he claimed victory in the 100m and finished second in the 200m.
The following year, he became the first man from Botswana to break the 10-second barrier as he clocked a time of 9.96 seconds at the Gaborone International Meet, setting a new world under-20 record in the process. That mark would only last a few months, as Tebogo broke his own record again, clocking 9.91s in the final of the World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.
Making history
At the 2024 Games in Paris, Tebogo etched his name into the record books by becoming the first African to win gold in the 200m. His time of 19.46s set a new African record and ranked as the fifth-fastest 200m in history. He later anchored Botswana’s 4x400m relay team with a 43.04s split - the fastest of the night - helping secure a silver medal and further cementing the nation's rising status in global athletics.
Widespread recognition soon followed as he was named World Athlete of the Year and Best Male Athlete. "All I ever dreamed of doing was to run faster than everyone else, and being able to provide for my mother," said Tebogo, who dedicated his achievements to his mother by wearing her birth date on his shoelaces during the 200m final.
In 2025, Tebogo added another historic milestone to his career when he anchored Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team to a World Championship gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the first time an African nation had ever won the event.
With a champion's mindset, Tebogo brings energy to the track, making a statement for African sprinting.
World-class sprinter Letsile Tebogo
© Miriam Lottes/Red Bull Content Pool
Letsile Tebogo anchored the 4x400m team to glory
© Sona Maleterova/Red Bull Content Pool
Letsile Tebogo led Botswana to 4x400 glory in Tokyo
© Sona Maleterova/Red Bull Content Pool
Letsile Tebogo powers up
© Miriam Lottes/Red Bull Content Pool