Africa’s first 200-meter champion in the Olympics is Tebogo of Botswana
Letsile Tebogo, who won Botswana’s first Olympic gold medal on Thursday, blasted past American tandem Kenny Bednarek and a COVID-19-hit Noah Lyles to become the first African to win the men’s 200-meter Olympic crown.
Tebogo, who broke the national mark of 9.86 seconds in the 100-meter final, ran a strong last 50 meters and shattered his own record to cross the finish line in 19.46 seconds, making history’s fifth-fastest man over the 200-meter distance.
Bednarek trailed him all the way to win a second consecutive silver in 19.62 seconds, while Lyles repeated his Tokyo bronze in 19.67, fulfilling his dream of being the first American to accomplish the sprint double since Carl Lewis forty years prior.
After three years, it was the triple world champion’s first loss in a 200-meter final. Two days after winning the gold in the 100 meters, on Tuesday, U.S. officials announced that the athlete had tested positive for COVID, despite receiving medical attention after crossing the finish line.
“In response (to the test, the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to priorities his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors,” the USATF stated in a statement.
“Our top priority is protecting Team USA athletes’ rights to participate while also ensuring their safety. Following a comprehensive medical assessment, Noah decided to compete this evening. We honor his choice and will keep a careful eye on his health.”
The fact that Lyle’s lane box was damaged before to the race start resulted in a misbehavior infraction and a yellow card being placed against his name in the official results only made matters worse.
THE NIGHT IN AFRICA
Though Tebogo and Africa had a great night on the track, the Lyles performance still took center stage. While it is not unusual to have four Africans in a sprint final at the Olympics, this was the first time in the history of the sport that this has happened.
Even though three people took the final three spots, Tebogo’s podium finish—an African record—was a significant improvement.
The 21-year-old told reporters, “I’m the Olympic champion, it’s something I have never seen in my life or dreamed of – it is an amazing moment.”
“We made it to the final yesterday, and my coach told me, ‘Now it’s your race,’ so I just came here with what little strength I had left.”
I had the top pace to finish the race without tiring, so I knew Kenny was going to run away, so I just made sure to close him down. When I saw Kenny fading, I knew Noah was far, far behind us, so that means I’m the Olympic champion.
“It means a lot for everybody, the country, the continent and my family.”
Once again, Bednarek was the guy in the middle. He finished powerfully but not quite quickly enough after making a great turn in lane eight.
“I don’t think I put my best race down, it was really tight at the end,” he stated.
“I’m finally well this year. I can expand on this. Next year, there will also be the global championships. I intend to pose a threat. Over the next four years, I anticipate great things.”
