They looked unstoppable. One year ago, the world watched in awe as Botswana’s men’s 4x400m team announced themselves as global powerhouses. A country of just over 2 million people had slowly but steadily built a sprinting legacy. At the heart of it was Letsile Tebogo, the teenage prodigy who made history in Budapest by becoming the first African to medal in both the 100m (silver) and 200m (bronze) at the World Championships in 2023.
But what truly captured imaginations was his seamless transition into the quarter-mile arena. As the team blazed around the track, fans could feel it: Botswana was fast! Come 2024, with the U.S. men controversially DQ’d in the heats of World Relays 2024 in the Bahamas, the path opened for the Botswana team, consisting of Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, and Letsile Tebogo, and Botswana charged through, running 2:59.11, the world’s fastest time of the year and the first gold medal in relays in Botswana history! But now? The 2025 relays were shaping up to be an epic until they weren’t. And what followed next has left fans stunned, questioning, and desperate for answers. So, what happened?
Just days before the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has confirmed that Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi—three pillars of their historic 4x400m relay team—have officially withdrawn from the competition, citing personal reasons.
The announcement came through a formal release from BAA, which stated, “We regret to inform you that three of our men’s 4×400 metres relay team members, namely Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi, and Bayapo Ndori, have officially withdrawn from the team for personal reasons.”
In response to the news, the Botswana Athletics Association Board added, “The Botswana Athletics Association Board has unanimously agreed that the trio be withdrawn as per their request.” “The nation must rest assured that the remaining team members will do their best and must rally behind the team as always.
However, this unexpected withdrawal has left fans and experts alike stunned. With Tebogo, the breakout sprinting star, Ndori, the dependable anchor, and Kebinatshipi, the solid lead-off leg, all stepping aside, the question on everyone’s mind is, what happened?
Fans react as Botswana relay members, including Letsile Tebogo, miss the World Relays
Botswana’s athletics community is reeling after three of its top athletes, including global sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, opted out of national team duties, citing “personal reasons.” The timing of the withdrawals and the number haven’t sat well. For many fans, that explanation hasn’t sat well. The timing, the silence, the pattern—it all feels too familiar
“Three top athletes, all pulling out at the same time for personal reasons.” While there is no clear know-how how why they have pulled out. Fans think recent turbulence within the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) might have something to do with that. One fan posted on social media. “The Association needs to be serious and address this matter fast.”
Botswana Athletics Association faced turmoil last year when, in November’s SGM, Harold Mosomane said affiliates invoked Section 19 as the BAA board was “not serving affiliates’ interests. “It was very clear from the onset that the board was not comfortable with facing affiliates on matters outlined in the request,” Mosomane told Mmengi Online. Concerns included- Poor communication and inconsistent decision-making.
Another fan didn’t mince words: “There is nothing like personal reasons. We already know you didn’t pay their past incentives. Who would want to work without being paid?” This isn’t just disappointment; it’s heartbreak for some fans, who declared bluntly, “We are failing as a nation.” Still, not all reactions are drenched in disappointment. Some fans are choosing to see the silver lining.
“This is a good call,” one supporter said. “They already won gold. They don’t need to be there. Let the kids go have fun, man. Even if we don’t win, it doesn’t matter. In 2026, we will be here.”
That feeling of long-term optimism is giving others hope, too. As one fan put it, “Other upcoming athletes will shine and make a name for themselves.” For now, Botswana’s track giants are stepping away from the spotlight, and their reasons—whatever they truly are—remain behind closed doors. But the fans? They’re wide awake, watching, questioning, and hoping.
The post “Failing as a Nation”: Track & Field Community Upset as Letsile Tebogo’s Botswana Announces Sad Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.