Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo has openly declared his ambitions to maximize earnings as he continues to dominate the track world, following his stunning performance at the Paris Olympics.
The 21-year-old sprinter, who clinched the 200m gold, has rapidly become a sensation in athletics, bringing not only medals but significant financial rewards from his victories.
As Tebogo prepares for the upcoming Wanda Diamond League meeting in Zurich on September 5, where he will face stiff competition from American sprinters Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton, the spotlight remains firmly on him.
With three consecutive Diamond League victories in Lausanne, Silesia, and Rome, Tebogo has already secured his spot in the final, alleviating some of the pressure as he heads into the next race.
“I mean, there’s still more in the tank. I’m sure of it. There’s still more for me to put out there, you know? On the 14th, it’s about firing on all cylinders because there will be nothing left for me afterward.
I just hope I go into Zurich injury-free. As for motivation, it’s about all the smiles I’ve put on people’s faces and the financial rewards that come with it. It’s been a lot of fun,” Tebogo shared his thoughts on his recent successes and his mindset going into the Zurich meeting.
Following his Olympic success, where Tebogo not only shined with a gold but also a silver medal, he has been candid about his motivations.
“The Olympics was the biggest target, and I achieved that by winning both the gold and silver medals. So, what’s keeping me going now? It’s about trying to make the most money while I’m still young, just trying to accumulate as much as I can,” he explained.
“You never know when you’ll have another great season, so that’s my motivation. I want to look back and say that 2024 was my year, a year when I managed to accumulate as much as possible,” he concluded, reflecting a pragmatic approach to his career and future.
In Zurich, Tebogo’s resilience will be tested against Kerley and Knighton, both known for their remarkable speed and competitive edge.
This matchup is anticipated not only as a display of top athletic prowess but also as a decisive battle that could potentially hand Tebogo his first defeat since his Olympic victory.
The rewards for Botswanan athletes has been substantial. Following the Paris Olympics, gold medalists like Tebogo were celebrated with cash prizes, property, and national honors highlighting the country’s appreciation for their sports heroes.
