I can't go to the mall anymore - Letsile Tebogo reveals struggles with life as a superstar

Letsile Tebogo breathing in his mum's presence after Olympic triumph in Paris

I can't go to the mall anymore - Letsile Tebogo reveals struggles with life as a superstar

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 08:27 - 15.09.2024

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo is struggling to accept his newfound status after his heroics at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Botswana's sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo is finding it challenging to adapt to his newfound celebrity status following his groundbreaking victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

The 21-year-old made history by becoming the first Motswana and African athlete to clinch gold in the 200-meter event, catapulting him to instant stardom in his home country.

While Tebogo's victory was met with jubilant celebrations across Botswana, the young athlete is struggling to come to terms with the dramatic change in his daily life.

 In a candid admission, the Olympic champion Tebogo who has drawn comparisons with Usain Bolt revealed the difficulties he's facing:

Letsile Tebogo of Botswana after his iconic 200m win in Paris 2024.

"I'm not a free human being these days. I'm just a superstar in my country — which I don't like because I can't even go to the mall and get something for myself. I have to send somebody to do it," Tebogo lamented in a video on social media. 

 "It also leads me to overthink things about why did I become this person, why didn't I just choose another path,” he added. 

Letsile Tebogo worked hard to defeat Kenny Bednarek at the Zurich Diamond League

“But I can't go back to my ways, I just have to stick with the way and keep going forward and see how I can overcome the whole situation."

The Olympic champion's post-Paris performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Tebogo maintained an unbeaten streak in five races, including four Diamond League meets, showcasing his consistency at the highest level of athletics.

Pope Francis blesses Letsile Tebogo's spikes and Olympic gold medal

However, his quest for a perfect six-for-six record came to an end on Saturday at the Brussels Diamond League final where Kenny Bednarek stunned the Olympic champion to the Diamond League title in Brussels, reclaiming his trophy from 2022.

Despite the setback, Tebogo's remarkable run since his Olympic triumph underscores his potential as the latest dominant force in sprinting for years to come.

Kenny Bednarek defeated Letsile Tebogo when it mattered most.

But as Tebogo finds his way around the challenges that come with his elevated status, the athletics world will be watching closely to see how he balances his newfound fame with his sporting ambitions. 

His journey serves as a reminder of the personal challenges that often accompany professional success, especially for young athletes thrust into the global spotlight.

The coming months will be crucial for Tebogo as he seeks to find equilibrium between his public persona and private life, all while maintaining the form that made him an Olympic champion and a national hero in Botswana.

Tags: