‘Would Love to See Him Develop That’ - American Sprint Legend on What Letsile Tebogo Must Work on to Dominate

Letsile Tebogo struggled in 2025, but at 21, the Olympic 200 meter champion still has enough time to bounce back in future seasons as he aims to go all out at the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

Letsile Tebogo, has faced a challenging 2025 season after a breakthrough 2024 that saw him rise to global stardom by clinching 200m gold at the Olympic games in Paris

One of the most heartbreaking moments came at the World Championships where Tebogo was disqualified from the 100m final, a race many expected him to contend for a medal. 

The struggles didn’t end there. In the 200m final, Tebogo finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium spot. 

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The performances showed that while his raw speed remains, consistency and race execution are areas requiring further development.

Despite these personal setbacks, Tebogo’s contribution to Botswana’s success was undeniable. He played a vital role in helping the Botswana 4x400m relay team secure the gold medal at the same championships.

Tebogo’s Personal Hardship

Behind the scenes, Tebogo’s journey has been marked by personal hardship. In 2024, he lost his mother—a devastating loss that affected him deeply.

Balancing grief with the pressures of elite competition has undoubtedly impacted his mental and emotional focus during this demanding season.

American sprint legend Justin Gatlin recently commented on Tebogo’s progress and what the young athlete needs to focus on to reach his full potential. 

Gatlin, a former Olympic and World Champion known for his longevity and technical excellence, said:

“We still have to remind ourselves that Tebogo is still young,” Gatlin shared on his Ready Set Go podcast.

“He’s a small-framed guy, but once he goes down the path that other greats have taken—like Noah [Lyles]—and develops bigger shoulders, traps, and chest, using his arms effectively to get faster and stronger, that’s when we’ll see him dominate consistently.”

Gatlin pointed out that Tebogo’s running style already shows great promise. “I love his style; the way he runs matches his swagger and energy. It looks almost effortless but with the right technique. But I would love to see him develop a bigger upper body. That’ll help him hit those 19.5 or 19.4 seconds in the 200m, maybe even 19.7 seconds regularly.”

Tebogo’s Potential to Be a Super Talent

Gatlin also mentioned Tebogo’s potential to become a super talent, even if he stays small like sprint legend Kim Collins, who excelled without a muscular frame.

Tebogo’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the talent and work ethic are undeniable. As he continues to mature both physically and mentally, the world will be watching to see if he can evolve into the sprint superstar many believe he is destined to be.

For now, Tebogo’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the quest to unlock the full power that lies within him.