![]() ![]() The Jamaican’s legacy still looms large over athletics, meaning onlookers are often quick to label an emerging sprint star as his predecessor.īut Tebogo admits he hasn’t even thought about breaking his idol’s world records – 9.58 for 100m and 19.19 for 200m. #Onto the next one meaning fullThe celebration sparked comparisons to the great Usain Bolt, who, full of confidence and bravado, would grin and spread his arms before crossing the finish line – even while setting world records. “You need to come free-minded … Remove everything that’s on your mind that’s going to be disturbing you on the blocks or when you’re doing your warmup.” “You just need to come with a free mind and enjoy the race because, once you have stress, you cannot run the perfect race you and your coach planned. “Mental strength is very important,” he tells CNN Sport. His first record was officially confirmed by World Athletics on September 20, while his second time is still pending ratification.Īmong the secrets to both performances, Tebogo says, was an ability to put aside any lingering anxieties before stepping onto the track. Tebogo twice broke the Under-20 world record for 100 meters earlier this year – first with his time of 9.94 seconds at the World Championships, then a few weeks later when he ran 9.91 seconds at the U20 World Championships. Even in full flight on an athletics track, the 19-year-old is a picture of composure his long, floating stride and easy running form guiding him to record times on the junior circuit. That pre-race ritual appears to serve him well. “It’s much easier for me to relax that way.” “Most of the time, I just listen to music – traditional songs from here in Botswana because they remind me of my roots and where I come from,” says Tebogo. In the hours before he coils himself into the starting blocks – a time when many sprinters would be fraught with nerves and tension – Letsile Tebogo finds solace in the soundtracks of home. ![]()
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