'They Start to Insult You' - Letsile Tebogo Warns Track and Field Fans Against Betting on His Races

Letsile Tebogo has sent a message to track and field fans who place bets, urging them to leave athletes out of their frustrations and avoid directing negative energy toward performers.

The reigning Olympic 200m champion explained that dealing with such pressures is one of the major challenges he faces as an athlete, particularly following his standout exploits at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Letsile Tebogo made history by becoming the first African to win a gold medal in the men’s 200m at the Olympics, setting a new African record with a remarkable time of 19.46 seconds.

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However, with that fame has come extreme expectations, and the rise of betting culture has added to the immense pressure on Letsile Tebogo to consistently perform at the highest level in every race he competes in.

According to Letsile Tebogo, the expectations from fans have grown significantly, with many assuming he will always finish first in every race.

He added that this constant anticipation often leads to insults and criticism whenever results do not meet their expectations.

He emphasised that such behaviour not only affects him personally but also places additional strain on other athletes, creating an environment where competitors feel pressured and mentally unprepared.

Letsile Tebogo urged fans to reconsider their approach, highlighting the need to separate personal frustrations and betting habits from the athletes’ performances on the track.

“It’s about the supporters who support track and field. We know already you guys are doing your own betting and all that, but don't, don't send me a message. People can bet their real money on you,” Letsile Tebogo told Life Unscripted with Lezozo podcast.

“I didn't know that there was betting until 2024 when I got the gold medal. Later on, I met some other guy, and I didn't know there was that.

“Every time there is a race, they'd always think I’m going to come first. So, they start to insult you and do all that kind of stuff. So, it's been there, and it also pressurises other athletes and me, and you know, you're not ready for this race.”

Letsile Tebogo added that he does not respond to the messages and criticisms he receives online, as there is little he can do to change the opinions of others.

He stressed that the main request he has for fans is to stop pressuring athletes into achieving results beyond what is realistically possible.

Letsile Tebogo compared athletics to team sports like football, noting that while football relies on collective effort, athletics is an individual pursuit where each athlete must focus on reaching their personal best through their own knowledge and preparation.

He acknowledged that athletes sometimes disappoint fans, but emphasised that the situation is complex and not easy to explain.

Letsile Tebogo described the journey of an athlete as long and challenging, urging supporters to appreciate the process and allow competitors the space to perform without undue pressure.

“I don't reply to those messages. I just see them on that. There's nothing I can do about it, but stop pressurising us into doing something. I think of football, because it's, it's a team sport,” Letsile Tebogo added.

“Athletics is an individual effort, you know, how much I have to get my performance to my best performance, best knowledge. We have disappointed people. It's just so complicated to explain it, but that's the only thing that I'll ask them for. It's a long journey.”