It’s just a medal not a dream come true – Letsile Tebogo

The 21-year-old defied the odds by defeating favourite Noah Lyles, becoming the first sprinter from Botswana and Africa to win the men’s 200m title at Stade de France on Thursday night, in front of a packed crowd. 

READ: Noah Lyles says he tested positive for Covid but chose to compete in 200m final

Despite this monumental achievement, Tebogo, who recently lost his mother, considers the medal insignificant compared to the challenges he has faced in life. 

He clocked 19.46 seconds in the race of his life, followed by Americans Kenny Bednarek in second place with 19.62 seconds and Lyles in third place with 19.70 seconds.

''I just had to step up to make sure that everything was perfect from start to finish. It is  not a dream come true to me, a medal is just a medal - but what I went through. I would say the medal is a bonus to everybody, but personally, it is not a dream come true. Personally I am pointing to the 2028 Olympics, that is where I am going  to show the world that we can really make it,'' said Tebogo.

Although he recognizes the significance of the gold medal for Africa, Tebogo doesn’t see it as a major accomplishment personally. The reality of being the first sprinter to win a gold medal hasn’t fully sunk in yet for him, despite achieving it with both a national record and a personal best time.

''It is not a big deal to me. It means a lot to the team behind me. When we heard about my mom's passing, I was grateful for them - because personally I thought my career was over but they made sure I take each and every day as it comes, and made sure that I come here with a healthier mind,'' added Tebogo.