Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won his nation's first Olympic gold medal by taking the 200m title at Paris 2024, setting an African record of 19.46 seconds. Tebogo’s historic victory is a milestone for African athletics, showcasing his incredible talent and inspiring future generations of sprinters across the continent.
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by becoming the first athlete from his country to win an Olympic gold medal. Tebogo claimed victory in the men’s 200m with an African record time of 19.46 seconds.
This remarkable achievement not only earned him his country's first Olympic gold in any sport but also placed him fifth on the world all-time list.
Tebogo's triumph was especially significant as he held off tough competition from the USA's Kenny Bednarek, who secured silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, and reigning 100m champion Noah Lyles, who took bronze in 19.70 seconds.
This race also marked the fastest time ever recorded for a third-place finish in any 200m race.
Tebogo dedicated his historic win to his late mother, Seratiwa, who passed away in May, emotionally carrying her memory with him on the track. His victory is seen as a milestone for African athletics, as Tebogo becomes the first African man to win an Olympic 200m title.
This gold medal adds to his impressive record, which includes multiple world medals and a strong showing at the World U20 Championships in previous years.
Tebogo's success at the Paris 2024 Olympics is expected to inspire future generations of African sprinters, marking a significant moment in the continent's sporting history.
