Botswana’s top sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, was notably absent from the 200m lineup at the prestigious Rabat Diamond League meeting, raising concerns among athletics fans and sparking fresh discussions about his fitness ahead of the Olympic season. According to his coach, Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane, Tebogo is currently nursing a recurring knee injury that has kept him from training consistently over the past two weeks.
The 21-year-old track sensation, widely regarded as one of Africa’s fastest men and a rising global sprint star, was expected to feature prominently in the Rabat leg of the Diamond League. His absence was a significant blow not only to fans who were eager to see him compete but also to the overall competitiveness of the sprint event.
Coach Mosimanyane confirmed that Tebogo’s knee issue resurfaced earlier this month, limiting his ability to prepare adequately for competition. “He has not been training well for the past two weeks due to discomfort in the knee,” the coach revealed. “We felt it was important not to risk further aggravation by racing in Rabat.”
Tebogo, who made headlines with his silver and bronze medal wins in the 100m and 200m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, has been on a steady rise and is considered a strong contender for medals at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The injury comes at a critical time in the season when athletes are building momentum through high-profile competitions in preparation for the global stage.
While the nature of the knee injury has not been detailed publicly, the coaching team has indicated that they are taking a cautious and strategic approach to Tebogo’s recovery. The goal is to ensure he returns to full fitness in time for the major championships ahead. Medical assessments and physiotherapy are reportedly ongoing.
Fans and athletics analysts have expressed optimism that the young athlete’s team is making the right call by prioritizing long-term performance over short-term participation. Many view his current rest period as essential to preserving his medal potential in future competitions.
Tebogo’s absence in Rabat was felt, but his management remains confident that the sprinter will bounce back stronger. With his eyes set on Olympic glory, the priority remains his health and readiness for the world’s biggest sporting stage.
