Its gold world record
03 Aug 2022
9.91 puts Tebogo in the league of the world’s greats
Botswana’s wonder kid, Letsile Tebogo has taken the world by storm.
He went to the World Junior Championships in Columbia to make a mark and he did just that.
A gold medal for Botswana and a world record in 100 metres have put him in the league of the world’s greats.
“This chamionships have never seen anything like it,” bellowed the commentator as Tebogo ran 9.91 to shatter a world Under 20 record in 100 metres.
He broke the world junior record of 9.94 that he set a fortnight ago at the World Championships in Oregon, United States.
“During the race, I thought of Usain Bolt. He just came into my mind.
I remembered his finish and his celebration and I knew I was going for the kill,” said Tebogo.
“When the gun went off, I could see I was two steps of every one and I didn’t know about the time because I was enjoying the race,” he added.
Due to his height, it is always difficult for Tebogo to kick the blocks like shorter athletes, but this time, he started on a high note and it was clear in the last 50 metres that he had bagged it.
Tebogo said the idea was to enjoy the race without pressure.
“But as you know, sometimes my legs do something else which I have not budgeted for.
But yes, it is yet another world junior record and I am happy. Batswana are happy, the world is happy. That is what also makes me happy,” he said.
“My highlight was when all the decathlon athletes came to celebrate with me. I was emotional as I honestly did not expect that,” he said.
Tebogo said to break a world junior record in space of a month meant a lot to him, adding it was a clear indication that there was a lot of work done behind the scenes.
Team Botswana coach, Chilume ‘Chippa’ Ntshwarang was happy with Tebogo’s performance, saying he executed his race plan well.
“This boy is talented and he does not struggle to execute himself.
For him, it comes naturally. If we can protect him and keep him in this game, he is still going to make the country proud,” he said.
Meanwhile Botswana 4x400 mixed relay finished on position seven in a time of 3:24.76. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Anastacia Sibanda
Location : GABORONE
Event : World Junior Championships
Date : 03 Aug 2022
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