From Struggle to Sprint: How Letsile Tebogo's Olympic Gold Saved Him from a Life of Crime

The Transformative Power of Athletics

Raised by a single mother in Kanye, Botswana, Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo credits sports with completely altering his life's trajectory. The 21-year-old sprinter made history at Paris 2024 by becoming Botswana's first Olympic gold medalist in the men's 200m - but his journey began in much humbler circumstances.

"Without sport, I'd probably be a criminal by now," Tebogo told BBC Sport Africa. "Growing up in my neighborhood, criminal activity seemed like the only way to survive."

Early Life and Discipline Through Sports

From playing left winger in football to discovering his sprinting talent in primary school, athletics provided structure to Tebogo's youth. "Training kept me from roaming the streets," he reflects. This discipline shaped not just his future but those of his childhood friends, several whom he convinced to pursue sports instead of crime.

Giving Back as a Global Ambassador

Now partnering with World Athletics as ambassador for their Kids' Athletics program, Tebogo works to provide the same opportunities that transformed his life. At recent events with over 1,000 children at his old training grounds, he demonstrates how "capitalizing on the little you have" can lead to global success.

Olympic Glory and National Impact

Tebogo's 200m victory at Paris 2024 - achieved while grieving his mother's passing - brought Botswana to a standstill. The government declared a national holiday, while tens of thousands celebrated his return. His subsequent 4x400m relay silver medal further cemented his status as Africa's new sprint king.

Training Strategy for 2025 Season

Adopting an innovative approach, Tebogo has focused on 400m races this season to build endurance before shifting back to his signature 200m distance. His first 2025 competitive outing comes this weekend in Gaborone, where fans hope to witness another Olympic-caliber performance.

The Future of Botswana Athletics

With Botswana set to host the 2026 World Relay Championships (the first African nation to hold a senior World Athletics event), Tebogo sees this as a game-changing opportunity to inspire his nation's next generation of athletes and continue his mission to transform lives through sports.