You never want to see a champion struggle, but that’s exactly what happened to Botswana’s sprint superstar Letsile Tebogo at the Rabat Diamond League meet. After finishing last in the 100m and pulling out of the 200m due to injury, Tebogo was forced to watch American Courtney Lindsey snatch the 200m win. It wasn’t the night Tebogo or his fans were hoping for. But the story didn’t end there. Heading into Rabat, Tebogo was pumped and ready to double up in the 100m and 200m, confident he’d deliver the kind of magic that made him Olympic 200m champ in Paris.
Instead, things went sideways fast. In the 100m, Tebogo crossed the line ninth with a disappointing 10.43 seconds, far from his top speed, while South Africa’s Akani Simbine took the win in 9.95 seconds, adding to his impressive Diamond League season. Next, Tebogo made a tough choice and left the 200m early, giving Lindsey the chance to run to victory in 20.04 seconds. Fans could see right away that it wasn’t right.
Since his interviews before the race, Letsile Tebogo looked like a confident runner, so why did things change? Tebogo posted to Instagram and shared everything on her mind. He said a constant injury has been bothering him, which makes it hard for him to play to his usual standard.
“Today’s performance wasn’t what I had hoped for. I’m currently dealing with a recurring injury, which hasn’t been easy,” he shared. But he wasn’t about to let it break him: “I’m channeling this disappointment and pain into resolve.” And then Tebogo dropped a message that hit deep, raw, and real on 04th June when it was much needed.
Before his return, Tebogo sent a powerful message to his competitors and fans alike: “The pain you feel is a PRIVILEGE. Use it to mold your reality, or watch it destroy your existence. Either way… I have a sad story too. No one cares. Work harder.” It’s a raw, no-excuses mindset that shows just how hungry he is to come back stronger. So, the big question remains: when will Tebogo return? The official date has now been announced.
Rome heats up without Lindsey as Letsile Tebogo looks to knock the crown off Akani Simbine
Well, the next stop for Letsile Tebogo is the Wanda Diamond League in Rome on June 6, and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher. But FYI, Courtney Lindsey won’t be lining up this time. Yes, the Courtney Lindsey, who famously edged out Tebogo back on April 20, 2024, at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi. That 200m showdown saw both athletes clock 19.71 seconds, but Lindsey was awarded the win in a photo finish, his first major international victory over Tebogo and a world lead at the time.
Since that dramatic face-off, the tables have turned. In their most recent matchup at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025, Letsile Tebogo got his revenge, barely. He outleaned Lindsey in the 200m with a time of 20.10 to Lindsey’s 20.11.
But now the scene shifts from the 200m to the 100m, and while Lindsey sits this one out, Tebogo’s got his hands full. The Rome lineup is stacked with firepower: Akani Simbine, Fred Kerley, Ferdinand Omanyala, Christian Coleman, Kishane Thompson, and more. It’s going to be a sprint fest.
And here’s where things get extra spicy, Letsile Tebogo will be facing off against Akani again, and this time the stakes are higher. Akani Simbine has been nearly untouchable this year in the 100m, coming into Rome with a string of wins and blazing times. But for Tebogo, it’s all part of the bigger picture; his main goal is peaking at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, happening this September. Beating Akani won’t be easy, but if Tebogo pulls it off, it’ll send a strong message ahead of the global stage.
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