Athletics | Q&A with Red Bull Athlete Letsile Tebogo: Sprinting’s Rising Star from Botswana
TOKYO, JAPAN – 20 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo, often dubbed “the next Usain Bolt,” has become one of the most electrifying young talents in track and field. Tebogo sat down for an exclusive Q&A to share his journey from Botswana’s village tracks to the world stage, the mindset that drives him, and his message for the next generation of athletes.
The sprinting prodigy talks Usain Bolt comparisons, discipline over motivation, and his dream of inspiring Africa’s youth.
Key Facts
- Athlete: Letsile Tebogo (BOT) — Red Bull athlete
- Career Highlights: Olympic gold medalist, multiple World Championship medals
- Notable Context: Youngest African sprinter to medal in both Olympic and World Championship finals; often compared to Usain Bolt but forging his own path
Personal Journey
Q: You’re often called 'the next Usain Bolt.' How do you feel about that label, and what makes your journey different?
Tebogo: It feels great to be compared to legends of the sport. What makes my journey different is that I’ve done it from home soil in Botswana, with fewer facilities, and still made it to the global stage.
Q: Growing up in Botswana, what role did your community play in shaping you?
Tebogo: The value that shaped me most is Botho (respect). Never undermine anyone. Do your thing and always congratulate others if they’ve done better on the day.
Q: What first made you fall in love with sprinting?
Tebogo: It started as a hobby, I was faster than everyone at primary school, and people would bet on me to beat kids from other schools. Usain Bolt also inspired me.
Mindset & Motivation
Q: When you’re on the start line, what goes through your head?
Tebogo: I just want to beat the other seven guys, go home, and focus on the next race.
Q: How do you ground yourself in high-stakes races?
Tebogo: By trusting the process and believing in the training we’ve put in.
Q: On tough training days, what keeps you going?
Tebogo: Just showing up is enough. When motivation isn’t there, discipline takes over.
Q: Can you dip below 10 seconds in the 100m this season?
Tebogo: Yes, it’s going to happen.
Q: Do you see yourself as a competitor against others or against your own limits?
Tebogo: Against my own limit. It’s always me versus me.
Lifestyle
Q: What would surprise people about your life off the track?
Tebogo: I love being a mechanic, fixing my own car, and I enjoy farming and ordinary farm work.
Q: Do you have rituals before races?
Tebogo: Just prayer before we hit the show.
Q: How do you switch off from sprinting?
Tebogo: By staying home, playing video games, or spending time on the farm.
Role Model & Future Vision
Q: Many young athletes look up to you. What message do you want to send them?
Tebogo: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Even if you don’t see results now, keep pushing—they’ll come.
Q: Looking five or ten years ahead, how do you want to be remembered?
Tebogo: As the boy from a less privileged background who rose to mingle with global icons and made it.
Quick Fire
- Favourite music before a race? Our traditional songs (Ditiro Leero).
- Favourite food from home? Traditional food (Bogobe jwa lerotse and braai).
- Dream race against? Usain Bolt.
- What makes you laugh the most? Random things other people find weird
About Letsile Tebogo
Letsile Tebogo is a Red Bull athlete and Botswanan sprinter recognised as one of the fastest rising stars in global track and field. An Olympic gold medalist and World Championship podium finisher, Tebogo is celebrated for his explosive 100m and 200m performances and his ability to deliver under pressure on the world stage. Often compared to Usain Bolt, he is carving out his own legacy by combining discipline, resilience, and a grounded sense of pride in his Botswanan roots.
Learn More About Letsile Tebogo HERE
Letsile Tebogo, Olympic gold medalist, Red Bull athlete, Botswana