Letsile Tebogo: Sport Saved Olympic Champion
- Botswana's Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo is on a mission.
- Tebogo,who set a new African record in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics,understands the transformative potential of athletics.
- World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe emphasized that Tebogo's character makes him an ideal role model.
Botswana’s Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo is using his platform to inspire youth thru sports as the new ambassador for World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics program. Tebogo,fresh off setting a new African record in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics and deeply aware of sports’ transformative power,participated in a relay challenge with over 1,000 children at his former training grounds.He hopes to offer direction to young people, countering negative influences by presenting sport as a positive alternative. World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe sees Tebogo’s confidence and humility as key to inspiring the next generation of athletes. With a spotlight on his past, Tebogo’s humble beginnings now fuel his desire to reach more children, promoting physical activity and sportsmanship. Discover what’s next from news Directory 3 as Tebogo expands the Kids’ Athletics program.
Tebogo Embraces Role inspiring Next Generation of Athletes
Updated May 29, 2025
Botswana’s Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo is on a mission. Partnering with World Athletics, Tebogo aims to use the power of sport to inspire the next generation. his new role as ambassador for the Kids’ Athletics program will encourage children to embrace an active lifestyle.
Tebogo,who set a new African record in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics,understands the transformative potential of athletics. He recently joined over 1,000 children at Mma Masire Grounds, one of his old training locations, for a relay challenge.
World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe emphasized that Tebogo’s character makes him an ideal role model. Coe believes Tebogo’s confidence, determination, and humility will inspire young athletes.
Athletics has given me so many opportunities, and I want young people to believe in themselves, dream big and enjoy the sport,” Tebogo said.
Tebogo also highlighted the importance of providing direction to young people, suggesting that free time can sometiems lead to negative behaviors. He believes sport can offer a positive alternative.
it’s basically showing them direction, because if we have plenty of free time, we tend to do unlawful stuff. We start robbing, doing drugs and all that,” Tebogo said.
Reflecting on his journey, Tebogo noted that he frequently enough passes by his old training grounds. He said it reminds him of his humble beginnings and inspires him to encourage others to pursue their goals.
I always pass here after training. I go to the flashbacks that I came from here and now I’m a global star. You just have to capitalise on the little you have and make sure you pursue yoru goals,” Tebogo explained.
What’s next
Tebogo plans to continue working with World Athletics to expand the Kids’ Athletics program, reaching more children and promoting the benefits of physical activity and sportsmanship.