Faith Nyasuguta
Botswana’s Olympic star Letsile Tebogo, alongside teammates Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 World Athletics Relays set for May 10-11 at Guangdong Olympic Stadium in China. The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) confirmed the announcement on Monday, May 5, stating the withdrawal was due to personal reasons.
“We regret to inform you that three of our men’s 4*400 metres relay team members, Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi, and Bayapo Ndori, have officially withdrawn from the team for personal reasons,” the BAA said in a statement.
The relay event is crucial as it serves as a qualifier for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. The trio’s absence is a major blow to Botswana’s medal hopes, especially after a historic run in 2024, where the team won gold at the World Athletics Relays and silver at the Paris Olympics. Notably, the same trio formed the backbone of Botswana’s recent international success.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Botswana 4*400m team impressed the world. Ndori started strong, Kebinatshipi carried the baton next, followed by Anthony Pesela, and Tebogo sealed the race with an explosive anchor leg, earning the nation a silver medal. That performance elevated Botswana’s reputation in global athletics, and expectations were high heading into the 2025 season.
Letsile Tebogo has enjoyed a rapid rise in the athletics world. At the 2023 World Championships, he claimed silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m, becoming the first African to ever medal in the 100m at the event. His dominance continued in 2024 when he clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, making him the first African athlete to do so in the event. Later that year, he was crowned Men’s World Athlete of the Year.
Amid speculation about the withdrawal being linked to payment disputes, Tebogo addressed the issue directly through a statement shared via Mmegi Online.
“As stated, a personal decision was made in the best interest of all parties involved, and in full alignment with my long-term goals as a professional athlete,” Tebogo explained.
“I remain fully committed to my country, the team, and the advancement of athletics in Botswana. As always, I remain proud to represent Botswana on the world stage and urge the nation to rally behind the team with the same energy and spirit that defines us as Batswana,” he added.
Tebogo expressed disappointment at missing the event but reiterated his continued focus on upcoming races this season.
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