TeboGOLD!

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 9, 2024 12:18

Tebogo powered to victory in 19.46 to set a new Africa mark, in the process obliterating his own record of 19.50 set last year. The swashbuckling moment sees him move to fifth on the 200m all-time list. Odds were heavily stacked against athletics' rising star as he had to fend off competition from three Americans. An ice-cool Tebogo kept his calm and went for the target. Tebogo’s win brings Botswana’s second individual medal at the Olympic Games and third overall. American, Kenneth Bednarek (19.62) claimed the silver medal, beating favourite, Noah Lyles who settled for bronze in 19.70. Tebogo becomes the first African to win an Olympic sprint title since John Aki-Bua did so in the 400 metres hurdles in 1972.

He additionally breaks the Area Record he set in July 2023 of 19.50 to 19.46. After missing out on the 100m medal, the sprinter came all fired up for the 200m, which is his favourite distance. Tebogo made his business known when he finished first during the semi-final, beating Lyles once again as he clocked 19.96. The Olympic champion went to the games mourning the passing away of his mother, Seratiwa, who lost her battle with cancer in May. Tebogo indicated that he was competing in the Olympics in her memory. It now remains for the coaches to decide if the champion is fit enough to be part of the 4x400m relay team.