The track and field at the Paris Olympics was supposed to be about Noah Lyles. Aiming for four gold medals along with breaking Usain Bolt’s record, Lyles created quite the hype. And after winning the gold medal in the men’s 100m finals, there were no lingering doubts about who the showstopper would be. That was until Letsile Tebogo decided to turn up and spoil the party for Noah Lyles. 

Trying to clinch the second gold medal in Paris, Lyles took a huge risk. Despite having COVID, the US phenom decided to run the 200m. Unfortunately, while he gasped for breath, a new star emerged in Letsile Tebogo. Running an incredible 19.46 seconds, Tebogo announced his dominance in the track and field world in style. And this was not a fluke. In the lead-up to the Olympics as well, Tebogo showed constant improvement in his timing. 

Noah Lyles praises Letsile Tebogo’s remarkable efforts

Competing in the Diamond League after Paris, the Botswana athlete wrapped off his season in style, picking up yet another victory. Now, having touched the 19s mark, Tebogo is being hyped for a potential world record-breaking dash soon. Now, with the 21-year-old creating so much noise, it was just a matter of time when Noah Lyles would be involved in the mix. Likewise, Lyles recently appeared in an exclusive interview with LetsRundotcom. Speaking about Tebogo, Lyles was asked whether he was shocked at what Tebogo achieved. 

The US track phenom laughed off the question, saying there was nothing to be shocked about. Reflecting on how the track world is expressing their amusement at Tebogo’s meteoric rise, Lyles said, “In 2023, he also ran 19.50, so it was only a matter of time before we started seeing him get faster and faster. And if anybody said they were shocked at the time he ran, then they don’t know track and field, or they’ve never heard of him.”

Recalling his previous antics, Lyles mentioned how the Botswana athlete won a silver in the 2023 worlds. He recalled Tebogo winning a 200m bronze the same year. Thus, an athlete with so much talent was bound to flare up at some point. Now, having Noah Lyles speak about him, Letsile Tebogo surely has pressed the gas on the fame game. And while it feels nice to be recognized, Tebogo is experiencing the downside of it too. 

Letsile Tebogo feels the pangs of being famous

Letsile Tebogo is now a hero. Not only in his country but also worldwide. Apart from having a scintillating season, Tebogo also won the Male Athlete of the Year, which further added to his fame quotient going up. However, with growing recognition, Tebogo is finding it hard to access freedom. While he could do anything he wanted post-his Olympic success, he is now being monitored almost 24/7. And this is something that the champion from Botswana doesn’t like. 

In a recent interaction, Tebogo said, “While fame provides recognition, it often comes with the loss of freedom; everyone scrutinizes your every move.” However, despite his concerns, Tebogo wants to nudge ahead and put Africa back to the top of the track and field map. Tebogo spoke about how Africa lacked sufficient resources compared to other countries. Yet, the 21-year-old believed that the talent Africa possesses is unmatched.

And while he wants Africa to shine, Tebogo also knows that he needs to garner more fame in order for the world to take notice. Thus, Tebogo is already preparing for his upcoming season. Reflecting on his plans, the 200m champion Olympian said, “We haven’t finalized our plans yet for the 2025 season, but one thing is certain: I will strive to make Africa proud, no matter the year or season.” Well, with things looking quite bright for Letsile Tebogo, it remains to be seen how well he can continue his winning momentum in the future.