Letsile Tebogo (let-SEE-lay teh-BOE-go) is a name you’ll want to remember this summer. If you haven’t heard it yet get ready to hear it often and take a moment to learn the pronunciation.
At the 2023 World Championships, Tebogo made history as the first African man to win a world medal in the 100m, finishing second in the event. He also took home the world 200m bronze. But the two-time world medalist is not stopping there.
Tebogo has continued to showcase his versatility in 2024. In February, Tebogo shattered records with an impressive 30.69 in the non-Olympic 300m distance. Then, at the 2024 World Relays in May, he powered Botswana to Paris qualification, delivering sub-44 splits in both the heats and final of the 4x400m relays.
The 21-year-old is the first Botswanan man to win a world medal in any event. In the conversation below, Tebogo discusses his determination to bring home more glory to a nation that boasts only two Olympic medals to its name.
*This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The interview took place in March before the Botswana Athletics Association announced the passing of Tebogo’s mother Seratiwa on May 20th.