Sprint legend Usain Bolt has tipped Letsile Tebogo to be the next dominant force in athletics, citing two key qualities that set the young Botswana star apart his talent and confidence.
Tebogo, who stunned the world by winning Olympic gold in the 200m at just 21, has already carved his name into history as the first African athlete to achieve the feat. He also played a pivotal role in Botswana’s first-ever Olympic relay medal, anchoring the 4x400m team to silver in Paris. For Bolt, these milestones are only the beginning of what promises to be a glittering career.
According to the retired sprint icon, Tebogo’s blend of raw ability and mental fortitude makes him unique. Few athletes have achieved Olympic glory at such a young age, and Bolt believes this highlights the extraordinary potential that lies ahead. Beyond his physical gifts, Bolt emphasized Tebogo’s fearless self-belief a trait that he considers vital at the highest levels of competition.
Tebogo’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He burst onto the global scene at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, where he claimed gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m. A year later in Cali, he defended his 100m crown while securing another silver in the 200m. By the time he made his senior debut at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Tebogo had already proven himself, capturing silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.
What makes his journey even more inspiring is his resilience in the face of personal tragedy. Tebogo lost his mother, Seratiwa, yet found the strength to continue competing at the highest level. Bolt highlighted this as proof of the young sprinter’s character, admitting that many athletes might have walked away under such circumstances. Instead, Tebogo went on to achieve historic success at the Olympics, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
With the 2025 World Athletics Championships set to begin, expectations are sky-high. Tebogo has the chance to add world titles to his growing collection, and Bolt is confident that his talent, composure, and unshakable confidence will see him dominate the 100m and 200m in the years to come.
Tebogo’s story is only just unfolding, but with the backing of the greatest sprinter in history, it is clear that the world should prepare for a new era of sprinting excellence
