Despite flying off the block, his body could not hold on as fatigue set in, denying him a Diamond League trophy and a wild card to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Tebogo finished second behind American sprinter, Kenny Bednareck, and the win is a revenge since the Olympics where Bednareck finished behind Tebogo. Bednareck was also behind the Botswana star at the Diamond League meetings in Silesia and Zurich. He finally tasted a moment of glory, after getting off from the blocks perfectly, he led the field, running a brilliant curve for the home stretch. Tebogo attempted to catch up down the straight but could not make up ground on Bednarek, who finished the race in 19.67 while the Olympic champion stopped the clock in 19.80. Speaking after the race, Tebogo said he did not get the perfect start, his body has shut down and has abused his body. He said running the 19.80 is still fine with him. “It has been a great season, a lengthy season and even if I did not win the Diamond League trophy, there is still time for that. It has been a great season because I am the Olympic champion and it is everybody’s dream to win that gold medal, I have it now. I am not sure what is next for next season, we will sit down and plan. For now I want to forget about athletics for a few weeks before getting back,” Tebogo said.
Meanwhile, the Olympic champion was honoured with the inaugural Jesse Owens Rising Star Award at the 2024 Wanda Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, over the weekend. The prestigious new award, named in honour of the legendary United States of America (USA) sprinter, Jesse Owens, celebrates exceptional young talents in athletics and is presented annually to one outstanding male and female under the age of 23. According to a statement from the World Athletics, the Jesse Owens Rising Star award was introduced this year to elevate and promote promising young athletes across all disciplines. The winners are selected based on a point system that grades performances across various events, recognising those who have demonstrated exceptional skills, perseverance and potential. “Tebogo’s stellar performance throughout the 2024 season earned him the award alongside a bronze statuette of Jesse Owens, designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Jan Desmarets. This symbolic piece honours Owens’ legacy while celebrating Tebogo’s incredible achievements on the track,” the statement reads in part.
In addition to the statuette, two oak trees will be planted in Brussels, the host city of the 2024 Wanda Diamond League finals, to honour male and female Rising Star Awards winners. One of these trees will stand as a tribute to Tebogo’s outstanding performance and commitment to the sport. “The oak tree serves as a lasting legacy, symbolising not only Tebogo’s excellence but also Botswana’s growing influence in global athletics. The Jesses Owens Rising Star Award will continue to highlight the most promising young athletes at every Wanda Diamond League final, fostering the next generation of sports talent and ensuring the continued impact of athletics worldwide,” the statement further reads. Local athletes, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi battled it out in the 400m final. Ndori finished in position five clocking 45.59 while Kebinatshipi finished in position seven in 46.43. Tshepiso Masalela wrapped up his season by finishing in position eight with a time of 1.44.34.
