Letsile Tebogo: Olympic 200m champion ‘would probably be criminal’ without sport

Given his own childhood experiences, Tebogo is now on a mission to use the transformative power of sport to inspire the next generation in partnership with World Athletics.

He has been named as ambassador for the governing body’s Kids’ Athletics programme, which aims to encourage children to be more active.

“Athletics has given me so many opportunities, and I want young people to believe in themselves, dream big and enjoy the sport,” he said.

“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’s talents were well known across the continent before he clocked a new African record over 200m at Paris 2024, becoming Botswana’s first ever Olympic gold medallist.

World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe believes Tebogo’s personal qualities are just as valuable as a role model.

“When a talent like Letsile emerges, it shows other young talented athletes the pathway,” Lord Coe said.

“Letsile is confident, determined and humble, and is already inspiring a whole generation of potential athletes and children.”

Tebogo was back at one of his old training grounds, Mma Masire Grounds, on Wednesday taking part in a relay challenge with over 1,000 children.

“I always pass here after training,” he explained.

“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 your goals.”