Letsile Tebogo Reflects on 'Horrible' 2025 as Botswana Eye Continued Dominance Against USA

Letsile Tebogo has gone down memory lane on his tough 2025 season as he pointed out Botswana’s ambitions to remain at the top in the 4x400m relay.

The reigning Olympic 200m champion struggled to make a mark at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. He finished fourth in the men’s 200m and false-started in the 100m final.

However, he has since moved past that and will be out to make a mark this season, starting with the 2026 World Athletics Relays, which Botswana will be hosting for the first time in history.

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"Once we get into the team, it’s only one personality. The teamwork and mentality we have going into the 4x400m…it's all about the collective," Letsile Tebogo told World Athletics.

"It’s something that I’ll always look back on and cherish. We're doing this for the country, for everyone watching and supporting Botswana."

Being part of the team that secured Africa’s first-ever world 4x400m title was the perfect conclusion to a challenging championship for the 22-year-old.

"I’m forever grateful for my teammates, for the confidence they gave me. They boosted me and helped me step up during what was a horrible season for me, with too many starts and stops due to injuries."

"After the disappointment in the 100m and 200m, where I knew I had the potential to win a medal, my confidence went downhill. But they managed to pull it back up again."

In the pouring rain of the 4x400m final, Letsile Tebogo ran a powerful second leg after taking the baton from Lee Bhekempilo Eppie. He handed off to Bayapo Ndori, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

In the final leg, individual 400m champion Collen Kebinatshipi chased down American 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin, surging ahead in the final moments to clinch the gold medal at the line.

"I had to lock in differently, knowing this wasn't an individual event…I was carrying the hopes of three other people," Tebogo reflected.

"So, why not? I couldn't disappoint them. No matter how tired I was or what was going through my mind, I just stepped up. It was the team that pushed me through."

Letsile Tebogo was also a key member of the Botswana 4x400m teams that secured Olympic silver in Paris in 2024 and triumphed at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau that same year. The next edition of the relays is set for his home soil on May 2-3.

Reflecting on his nation's achievements, the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics ambassador noted the broader impact.

"It means a lot because we know we are inspiring many kids in Botswana, and even encouraging the elderly to exercise and stay healthy. That’s the most important thing," he said. "We are going to continue to dominate the 4x400m for as long as possible."