Letsile Tebogo's historic Olympic 200m victory sparks debate as he labels Noah Lyles "arrogant" and calls him the face of athletics.
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo became the first African to win the Olympic 200 meters on Thursday, securing a historic victory that upended American sprinter Noah Lyles' plans for a sprint double in Paris.
In a stunning performance at the Stade de France, Tebogo crossed the finish line ahead of Lyles, who had to settle for bronze, while American Kenny Bednarek claimed silver.
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Tebogo's win was not only a significant milestone for Africa but also marked a dramatic turn in what was expected to be Lyles' crowning moment at the Paris Olympics.
Lyles, who had confidently predicted his victory after clinching gold in the 100-meter sprint, found himself outpaced by the rising star from Botswana.
The race, which lacked the pre-race fanfare that surrounded the 100 meters, still captivated the packed stadium.
Lyles received a warm reception when introduced, his face splashed across the big screens at both ends of the stadium.
However, it was Tebogo who ultimately stole the spotlight with his commanding performance.
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In a post-race press conference, Tebogo was asked if he aspired to become the face of track and field, a role that Lyles has openly embraced with his charismatic and sometimes controversial personality. T
"I think, for me, I can't be the face of athletics because I'm not an arrogant or a loud person like Noah (Lyles). So, I believe Noah is the face of athletics," Tebogo remarked.
The comment left many wondering whether Tebogo intended to slight his American rival or simply highlight the differences in their personalities.
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Lyles had entered the Olympics with high expectations. His boast of a double sprint gold was widely reported, making his third-place finish in the 200 meters all the more surprising.
After the race, Lyles revealed that he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and was subsequently seen leaving the track in a wheelchair.
Despite the disappointing result, Lyles took the time to congratulate Tebogo, both in person after the race and later on his Instagram page, where he announced that his Olympics had come to an early end due to his illness.
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Tebogo's victory marks a new chapter in the history of African athletics, as he became the continent's first Olympic champion in the 200 meters.
His performance has set the stage for what could be a fierce rivalry with Lyles in the years to come.