Letsile Tebogo breaks Botswana national record and shifts focus to the 200m

Tebogo clocked an impressive 9.86 seconds, securing seventh place – a few can achieve this feat in their first Olympics. He and Akani Simbine were the only African athletes to make it to the final this year. 

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The 21-year-old is set to compete in his favourite event, the 200m heat, tonight at 7:55pm. Speaking to SABC Sport, he expressed pride in his Olympic performance.

''Great achievement looking at the Olympics, looking at the age, first Olympics, national record. Not everybody makes it to the final, I am grateful for what happened today,'' said Tebogo.

He views his first Olympics as a significant learning experience, gaining valuable insights while competing against the world’s top athletes at the highest level. Currently, he ranks as the seventh fastest runner globally.

''What I learned tonight is that, make sure you perfect everything according to the race and don't leave out anything,'' added Tebogo.

The Olympic journey is far from over for the talented sprinter, as he still has another individual event in the 200m heat tonight. He aims to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

''What's next is the 200m. I believe I have done well, just self counseling and hoping for better results. I believe tomorrow, I will be a new man,'' he concluded.

Tebogo hopes to see more African athletes reach the 100m and 200m finals at future Olympics Games, boosting the continent’s chances of winning medals.