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Botswana sprint star Letsile Tebogo speaks of ambition to match Usain Bolt as world’s greatest

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Botswana sprint star, Letsile Tebogo, has talked of his ambition to match his idol, Usain Bolt, with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics kicking off in July in the horizon.

Tebogo who had been tipped by many as the next big star in the world of athletics, has also not been resting on his oars as he has backed up his desire with some impressive performances in the circuit by winning silver in 100m and bronze in 200m at the 2023 World Championships.

The 20-year-old also started the 2024 season like a house on fire, first running a world leading 19.94 in 200m at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix in Johannesburg, South Africa, before lowering his personal best in 400m with a time of 44.29 in Pretoria in March.

Before then, he had shattered the 300m world record in February, clocking an impressive 30.69 at the Simbine Curro Classic, a time that was a better than those managed by Bolt and US legend, Michael Johnson.

And with Olympics looming, Tebogo told sport journalists he has set “lofty ambitions” for himself and believes a good outing in Paris will put him on the road to becoming one of the greats like his idol.

“He (Bolt) is my idol – the person I most look up to. What he achieved was truly amazing. Whenever he ran, I watched him on TV,” Tebogo said.

“Everyone remembers Usain and I would love them to remember me too when I hang up my running shoes. I do not have to be the number one of all time – being among the top three will do just fine.”

Tebogo is seeking to become the second athlete from his country to win an Olympics medal after Nijel Amos claimed silver at the 2012 London edition.

He also believes Africa has great potential in the sprints and the time to show it on a global stage has come.

“The time has come for African athletes to dominate sprint events on the international stage,” the University of Oregon undergraduate said.

Tebago was the first African to win a medal in 100m at the World Championships last year, and since then, has continued to tower above his competitors in sprints.

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Botswanan Tebogo hits at Kenyan Omanyala over claims of being African sprint king

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Botswanan sprint sensation,
Letsile Tebogo, has hit back at Kenyan 100m champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, over claims that he is the king of African sprint.

Omanyala, in an Track and Field network in April, had laid claims to being the true king of Africa in sprints having risen to prominence in 2021 when he set the record as the fastest man in the continent when he ran 9.77 at the 3rd edition of the Absa Kip Keino classic.

The following year, Omanyala won the 2022 African title in Mauritius, as well as the 100m gold at the Commonwealth Games, feats he believes bestows on him the title of Africa’s king of the sprint.

Though it has not been all rosy for the 28-year-old Omanyala as he has faltered at some big stages having failed to make the final of the Olympic games in Tokyo in 2021 and finished a disappointing seventh at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, he still believes he is head and shoulders above other African stars.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Tebogo has already scored medals in both the 100 and 200m races at the highest stage, which has given him the right to question Omanyala’s claims

“I do not have anything to say. Everything will reveal itself as time goes on,” Tebogo said in an interview with the same Track and Field network on Tuesday.

“To me, it does not make sense if you are the African champion, but where it mattered the most, he could not step in,” he added.

Tebogo who has proven his mettle in the 200m which he claims is the easiest race to compete in, believes it should also be used as a gauge to test the fastest men in the continent apart from just the 100m.

“The 100 is very tactical. Any day can be your day. I believe we should include both races,” he added.

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Super Falcons star Nnadozie wins best goalkeeper in France

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Super Falcons of Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has entered the history books as she became the first female African player to win best goalkeeper award in France.

Nnadozie was on Tuesday, named the best goalkeeper in France by the National Union of Professional Footballers.

Nnadozie received recognition for her 2023–24 season-long brilliant performances for Paris FC where she posted regular woman of the match performances.

The Nigerian international won the individual title by defeating a formidable competition that includes Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of PSG, Chloe N’Gazi of FC Fleury, and Kinga Szemik of Stade de Reims.

Last month, the 23-year-old also won the title of top goalie in the French D1 Arkema women’s league.

Nnadozie’s exploits in saving penalties have also solidified her place among the world’s top goalkeepers, saving seven penalties, the most by any goalie in Europe.

The Super Falcons keeper has made a name for herself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers after relocating to France in 2020 and the award is reward for her sterling performances.

Nnadozie took to social media to celebrate the award with a message that said:

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this award. Thanks to the organisers @tropheesunfp for recognizing my efforts and presenting this prestigious award to me.

“A big thanks to @parisfc_feminines , the club president, the entire team staff , the fans and my wonderful teammates.

“Your belief in me and my work is a tremendous source of motivation.

“Receiving this award is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition. Your support means the world to me.

“Can’t thank my family enough for their prayers and support. My naija Giants, Una pikin Dey loyal , big love ❤️🇳🇬.”

Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Nnadozie has been the top penalty specialist and has made the most saves from her position among elite goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s top European leagues.

She has made five saves during her team’s run in the Women’s Champions League, and she has two in the league.

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