Letsile Tebogo Wins Gold for His Late Mother

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Tebogo secured a personal best of 19.46 seconds in the 200m final, outpacing the USA’s Kenny Bednarek and reigning champion Noah Lyles, who took bronze. The 27-year-old’s victory was particularly poignant as he dedicated it to his mother, Elizabeth Seratiwa, who passed away in May. “It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field,” Tebogo expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of his achievement. Tebogo had already signaled his intent by winning the semi-final with the fastest time earlier in the week, showcasing his talent against formidable competitors. Lyles, who had recently recovered from Covid, faced scrutiny over his participation but ultimately chose to compete, driven by his desire to win. “I still wanted to run,” Lyles stated, emphasizing his commitment to giving his all in the race. Lyles, who had recently elevated his status by winning the 100m final in a nail-biting finish against Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, approached the 200m with confidence. As a three-time world champion, he believed that the longer distance would allow him to leverage his speed and endurance more effectively. “When I saw that Noah wasn’t there on my left and it was just me and Kenny, I knew it was just the two of us in front,” he recalled. Ultimately, Tebogo’s victory not only marked a personal milestone but also a historic moment for his nation, as he carried the memory of his mother across the finish line.