Letsile Tebogo was involved in what will go down as one of the fastest 100m Olympic Games races on Sunday night. American show man, Noah Lyles, was on tour on his way to a gold in a tight race that saw all runners register sub 10.
In fact number eight recorded 9.91, which at one stage was the junior world record, providing sufficient proof of how fast and furious the race was. Tebogo was sixth and even that sixth was sufficient to produce a national record of 9.86 as the 21-year-old was involved in what is by miles, his toughest assignment to date. When Tebogo left for Paris, in all fairness, the nation's hopes for a medal rested on his shoulders. The colour of the medal was the only point of discussion. But now with the 100m behind him, his focus turned into the 200m last night. He is expected to last the distance in what is his favoured race. Now the nation's expectations are diluted after the shock performance of the 100m crew. It was predicted to be tough, but no one would have expected the scenes that unfolded at the Stade de France. It reminded some of one of the fastest 800m races where then local rising star, Nijel Amos grabbed the nation's first ever Olympic medal in 2012. Now Tebogo would also go down in history as one of the participants in the fastest 100m race.
The winner and favourite, Lyles had appeared subdued in the heats and the semi finals, finishing second in both instances. Many people, including locals, began writing him off as athletics' show man appeared to be losing his spring. But never short of stunts, Lyles made a grand entrance during the final, perplexing his competitors with his antics. One could feel his undiluted roar emanating from deep down his belly. He sent a clear message that he was up for it. He could have cut a timid figure after what was seen as a humbling experience in the heats and the semi final. But no, Lyles is Lyles and he is arguably the best show man of his generation. He exudes confidence from his every pore and you can see an athlete who is primed for the big occasion from a distance. Lyles is one. "The 100m is my mistress and the 200m, my wife," said the boastful Lyles. He didn't even shy away from kicking up a storm in his homeland when he chided the basketball team for labelling itself as world champions. Such is the competitive arrogance and confidence of Lyles. Local lad, Tebogo is the opposite.
He does not carry or exude the aura of Lyles, instead preferring to let his feet to do the talking. To Lyles credit, he 'runs' the talk. He is not just an empty vessel. He likes ruffling feathers and it appears to pump him up. Personalities are different. Tebogo presents himself like a typical well rounded Motswana whose personality is firmly embedded on the values of botho. But at times a little arrogance will do from the champ. Even the fastest man even to grace the track, Usain Bolt had this measured arrogance or is it confidence. Tebogo need to let rip at times. That fire in the belly should be all over his face. But he prefers the calm demeanour. And who can blame him as it has brought him this far and catapulted him to world stardom. But I for one, wouldn't mind a dash of arrogance served as a statement of intent. I am in awe of showmen like Bolt and Lyles and I wish a quarter of that comes out from Tebogo.
The winner and favourite, Lyles had appeared subdued in the heats and the semi finals, finishing second in both instances. Many people, including locals, began writing him off as athletics' show man appeared to be losing his spring. But never short of stunts, Lyles made a grand entrance during the final, perplexing his competitors with his antics. One could feel his undiluted roar emanating from deep down his belly. He sent a clear message that he was up for it. He could have cut a timid figure after what was seen as a humbling experience in the heats and the semi final. But no, Lyles is Lyles and he is arguably the best show man of his generation. He exudes confidence from his every pore and you can see an athlete who is primed for the big occasion from a distance. Lyles is one. "The 100m is my mistress and the 200m, my wife," said the boastful Lyles. He didn't even shy away from kicking up a storm in his homeland when he chided the basketball team for labelling itself as world champions. Such is the competitive arrogance and confidence of Lyles. Local lad, Tebogo is the opposite.
He does not carry or exude the aura of Lyles, instead preferring to let his feet to do the talking. To Lyles credit, he 'runs' the talk. He is not just an empty vessel. He likes ruffling feathers and it appears to pump him up. Personalities are different. Tebogo presents himself like a typical well rounded Motswana whose personality is firmly embedded on the values of botho. But at times a little arrogance will do from the champ. Even the fastest man even to grace the track, Usain Bolt had this measured arrogance or is it confidence. Tebogo need to let rip at times. That fire in the belly should be all over his face. But he prefers the calm demeanour. And who can blame him as it has brought him this far and catapulted him to world stardom. But I for one, wouldn't mind a dash of arrogance served as a statement of intent. I am in awe of showmen like Bolt and Lyles and I wish a quarter of that comes out from Tebogo.
