The man behind Letsile Tebogo’s astounding performance, Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyane, has assured fans and athletics enthusiasts that the athlete will approach the Diamond League (DL) finals without undue pressure after successfully achieving his season’s goals.
Tebogo has already amassed enough points to secure his place in the two-day DL finals, scheduled to take place at the Hayward Field in Eugene, USA on 16 and 17 September. This marks the first time the DL finals will be held on US soil, having traditionally taken place in Europe. Tebogo is slated to compete in the 100m final on 16 September and the 200m final on 17 September. “We have reached our goals for this season,” Dose said in a telephone interview with this publication.
Tebogo’s well-being
“So, going into the DL finals, there’s no need to burden ourselves with unnecessary pressure. Our primary focus is on Tebogo’s well-being for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. “That’s why we’re avoiding undue pressure. While we’re not suggesting we don’t aim to perform well at the DL finals, we want to ensure that we don’t add unnecessary stress.”
Dose emphasised that Tebogo’s participation in the DL finals in the US is primarily for enjoyment and to conclude the season on a high note. “Thereafter, he’ll need to return home and rest,” he added. “These athletes undergo immense physical and mental strain during the season, which is why it is vital to allow them to compete without excessive pressure and to savour the competitive atmosphere with fellow athletes.”
Astonishing
Tebogo has certainly had a remarkable season, achieving historic milestones for Botswana – and Africa – at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. In an astonishing 9.88s, he secured a silver medal in the 100m event, becoming the first African man to claim a medal in the men’s 100m at the senior World Championships.
Tebogo’s success did not stop there as he went on to add to his accolades by clinching a bronze medal in the 200m event with an impressive time of 19.81s, hot on the heels of American sprinters Noah Lyles’19.52s gold and Erriyon Knighton’s 19.75s silver. Tebogo’s prowess on the track has garnered widespread acclaim, especially after breaking a 26-year-old African record in the 200m with a remarkable time of 19.50 during a Diamond League meet.
