17 Sep 2023

It was never to be for Letsile Tebogo as he ended the athletics season on a sombre note after sustaining a muscle injury Saturday night.

He finished a Diamond League 100m final in position eight with a time of 10.61 in Eugene Oregon. Tebogo seemingly hopped to the finishing line after showing signs of discomfort few metres after take-off.

Some of his supporters were left wondering if the injury he sustained during a 200 metres final at the World Championships had recurred.

Coach Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane stated that Tebogo said immediately when he kicked the block, he felt something was wrong on his left leg. However, the first race attempt was stopped following a false start by Jamaican, Ackeem Blake.

In the second attempt, Tebogo did not push out of the blocks to guard against a severe injury.

Mosimanyane said he was happy that Tebogo knew his body well, something which he said was a plus for an athlete at a young age.  

“It is not the same muscle. In Budapest it occurred on the right leg, but this time it happened on the left leg. Yes, it is minor, but we did not want to risk it any further.  We can’t choose only the good and leave out the challenges’ Mosimanyane said.

The coach, however, said they had a good season, given that they recorded personal best times in 100m, 200m, 300m and 400m.

He said Tebogo had also qualified for the Olympic in three events; 100m, 200m, and 400m, adding that he also won two World Championships medals.

“He achieved all on his first season as a senior, so we are going back home as a proud team and we will be off season for six to eight weeks then start preparations for Paris Olympics,’ he said.

Sport Psychologist at the University of Botswana, Dr Tshepang Tshube, said athletes had a long and demanding season.

He said they were physically and mentally fatigued, therefore susceptible to injures.

Dr Tshube said the coach and everyone around them should plan the season better, adding that the World Championships and Olympics should be treated differently.

He advised that during a year of major competitions, athletes should minimise Diamond League races and focus on major games. Meanwhile, Leungo Scotch finished in position six with a time of 45.18 in 400m final. ENDS