Letsile Tebogo explains why did he not consider moving to USA: "Once you take gem from Africa and put it in United States, it's going to be destroyed"

By Abhiruchi Rout

Modified Sep 19, 2024 17:17 GMT

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African sprinting sensation Letsile Tebogo recently shared why he chose to stay in Africa and not relocate to the United States. He rose to the spotlight during the 2024 Paris Olympics when he became the gold medalist in the men’s 200m.

The 21-year-old became a worldwide sensation when he ran a phenomenal African record and new world-leading mark of 19.46s in the half-lap event to become the Olympic champion. He was much ahead of his rivals, including Kenny Bednarek and pre-race favorite Noah Lyles, who clocked 19.62s and 19.70s, respectively, to win the silver and bronze medals.

Tebogo’s gold at the Paris Olympics meant that Botswana had achieved a historic first-ever gold medal in the Summer Games. He then played an instrumental role in the nation’s silver-medal win in the men’s 4x400m relay event, where he recorded the quickest split of 43.04s in Paris among all runners.

Following his record-breaking 2024 season, Tebogo was asked in an interview with World Athletics, the global governing body, why he picked Africa over the United States. He said he believed that the intense competition in the USA often results in the talented athletes struggling to perform well who move there from Africa.

"It’s a tough question to answer but in the United States there is a lot of competition, so once you take one gem from Africa and you put it there, it is going to be destroyed. In the US there is already a new Michael Johnson coming up, Quincy Wilson. There is always somebody coming up for them. But for Africa it is rare to see somebody like me," Tebogo said.

Letsile Tebogo further mentioned that he began tracking African athletes, who moved to the U.S., since 2016. He eventually noticed that although they successfully transition from college to the USA, they often struggle to create an impression at the professional level after a collegiate career.

"So for me to decide not to go there but to sit down and start from way back in 2016 to just watch how African athletes progressed going to America – I found out that a lot of African athletes make it out of college but they can’t go professional afterwards," he said.

Botswana President declares a public holiday in nation after Letsile Tebogo’s Paris Olympics victory

Letsile Tebogo at Paris Olympics (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

After Letsile Tebogo’s outstanding feat in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, declared a holiday on August 9 to honor the two-time former World U20 champion’s efforts.

A statement was released that reads:

“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, "Botswana's Sensation", to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th August, 2024.”

Notably, Tebogo received a grand welcome in his country following his return. He was also given a four-bedroom house along with $75,000 awarded in prize money.