Letsile Tebogo’s 200m Olympic Win: The Prizes, Including a 4-Bedroom House
- Letsile Tebogo has earned significant rewards following his stellar performance at the Olympic Games in Paris
- The 21-year-old stunned Noah Lyles to clinch gold in the men’s 200m, which was Botswana's maiden gold at the multisport event
- On this note, we take a look at the rich rewards Tebogo stand to gain as the sprint sensation basks in the glory of his Olympic triumph
PAY ATTENTION: Let yourself be inspired by real people who go beyond the ordinary! Subscribe and watch our new shows on Briefly TV Life now!
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo dazzled at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the gold medal in the 200m, thwarting Noah Lyles' bid for a historic sprint double.
At just 21 years old, Tebogo blazed past the competition to set a new African record of 19.46 seconds, securing his place atop the podium.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News Sports News WhatsApp channel for all the latest sports stories.
American sprinter Kenneth Bednarek claimed silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, while Lyles, who had previously won the 100m title in a nail-biting finish, settled for bronze, clocking in at 19.70 seconds, the BBC reports.
Lyles, who had been aiming to emulate Usain Bolt's 2016 achievement of winning both the 100m and 200m at the same Olympics, struggled to keep up with Tebogo's blistering pace.
After the race, it was revealed that Lyles had tested positive for COVID-19, and he had to be assisted off the track in a wheelchair, per CNN.
Tebogo pays touching tribute to late mum after 200m win
According to talkSPORT, Letsile's victory was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of deep emotional significance.
After crossing the finish line, he paid tribute to his late mother, Seratiwa Tebogo, by showing his spikes to the cameras, which bore her birth date.
Seratiwa, who passed away in May after a long illness, had been a steadfast supporter of her son's athletic pursuits, often accompanying him to competitions.
Rewards trickle in for Tebogo after historic gold in Paris
In the wake of his historic win, Tebogo has been showered with accolades, including a public holiday declared in his honour.
His achievement marks a significant milestone, not only for himself but also for African athletics, as he becomes the first from the continent to claim Olympic gold in the 200m event.
In light of this, Briefly News examines the flurry of rewards showered on the 21-year-old after his momentous feat on Thursday, August 8.
What rewards will Tebogo receive after his 200m Olympic feat?
According to Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, a Ghanaian sports journalist reporting on the 2024 Olympics, Tebogo's remarkable victory has been recognised in various ways:
1. A four-bedroom house: The Botswana government has awarded Tebogo a 4-bedroom house, a gesture symbolising the nation's pride in his accomplishment and an investment in his future comfort.
2. Monetary Awards: Tebogo will receive 1 million Pula (approximately $75,000) from a local company, which will add to his financial security and acknowledge his dedication and hard work for placing Botswana on the map.
3. Performance Bonuses: Tebogo will receive an additional $3,600 for reaching the finals in both the 100m and 200m events.
4. National Holiday in His Honor: In a rare and significant gesture, Botswana has declared a national holiday in Tebogo's name, cementing his status as a national hero and an inspiration to future generations.
5. Further Cash Rewards: Tebogo is expected to receive cash rewards from various institutions totalling approximately $260,000, a testament to the wide-ranging admiration and support he has garnered.
Potential for even more rewards
Tebogo's success doesn't end with his individual events.
Should he lead the 4x400m relay team to a podium finish, he stands to gain even more accolades, including the promise of a second house.
Facts about Letsile Tebogo
Tebogo was born in Kanye, a village in southern Botswana, and relocated to the capital city, Gaborone, in the seventh grade. He celebrated his 21st birthday on 7 June.
Tebogo made history as Botswana's first Olympic gold medalist and the first African runner to win the 200m final at the Olympic Games. In 2023, he also became the first African to get a medal in the 100m at the World Championships.
At the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, Tebogo made history as the first athlete from Botswana to win gold in the 100m on a global stage. He also earned a silver medal in the 200m.
Tebogo receives a congratulatory message from Noah Lyles
In a previous publication, Briefly News reported that Noah Lyles graciously congratulated Letsile Tebogo after the Botswanan athlete defeated him in the 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Lyles took to his official X account (formerly Twitter) to send a heartfelt message to Tebogo, acknowledging his victory despite a challenging year marked by the loss of his mother.
The 100m Olympic champion commended Tebogo's resilience and success.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: YEN.com.gh