Why Is Letsile Tebogo Called a ‘Schoolboy’? The Story Behind His Nickname

Letsile Tebogo is causing some serious ripples in athletics—and he’s just getting started. The 21-year-old Botswana sprinter won a silver medal in the 100m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. And if you think this was the best, you need to wait for more. Tebogo achieved Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics by defeating American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles in the 200m. The timings? He clocked out in 19.46 s, leaving even Noah Lyles behind.

With a personal best of 9.86 seconds in the 100m, Tebogo is not only pursuing records—he’s rewriting them. Contrary to Tebogo’s blazing starts and his calm, cool finishes, there is something magical about this up-and-coming star. And though fans affectionately refer to him as “Schoolboy,” there’s nothing immature about his performances. Wondering where the nickname came from? Let’s find out.

Tebogo’s nickname stems from his student-athlete beginnings

Botswana track and field star started his international running career when he was just 17. Yes, at such a young age, Tebogo ran at the 2021 World Athletics Relays held in May in Chorzów, Poland. Though he started his sports journey with football, he soon realized that track and field was something he should carry forward with. But how did Tebogo get his nickname, “Schoolboy”?

Well, Letsile Tebogo recalled the exact incident and once said, “It came about in 2021 during the world relays in Poland. I was the only young guest there. I was the only one who was attending school back then. Everyone else was a senior.”

He further added, “Every time they would diss me, telling me I needed to focus on my schoolwork, my homework, and everything, so that is how the name came about.”

When asked about the origin of his nickname in an interview with NBC Sports, Tebogo said, “I was the youngest when we went for the World Relays in Poland. I was the only person who was still in school there. The rest were seniors, so that’s how the nickname came about.” In every stride, every smile mid-race, and every finish line he crosses, Letsile Tebogo is not just running for medals—he’s running for a legacy.

How did Tebogo redefine what a “Schoolboy” can do?

When people used to hear the phrase “Schoolboy” in athletics, it often implied raw talent, inexperience, or someone still finding their footing. But Letsile Tebogo—the young sprinter from Botswana—has completely redefined that narrative. Tebogo has not only challenged expectations but also reshaped what it means to be a global sprinting sensation while still balancing books and track shoes.

Tebogo’s journey began in Botswana, a country not traditionally known for producing sprinting stars. But from the moment he burst onto the international scene, it was clear that Tebogo wasn’t just another fast kid—he was something special. Still juggling school commitments, he became a beacon of hope for African athletics, boldly proving that Africans can be world-class sprinters too.

When asked about being labeled the “Schoolboy,” Tebogo shared, “Every time they would diss me, they would say, ‘He’s just a Schoolboy,’ and I took it from there. That’s how the name came about.” What started as a slight soon became his badge of honor. Tebogo isn’t just participating in events—he’s redefining them. The 20-year-old has consistently clocked impressive times in the 100m and 200m, even drawing comparisons to legends like Noah Lyles and Usain Bolt. And those comparisons aren’t just fan hype. At the 2022 World U20 Championships, Tebogo clocked a jaw-dropping 9.91 seconds in the 100m. That time not only set a new U20 world record but also made the world sit up and take notice.

Letsile Tebogo is not afraid to add a bit of flair either. During one of his record-breaking runs, Tebogo famously turned to smile at his competition mid-race—a move reminiscent of Bolt’s iconic showmanship. That moment? It went viral, and for good reason. It wasn’t arrogance—it was confidence, it was joy, and it was a reminder that greatness can look effortless.

Of course, when you’re that good, comparisons are inevitable. Many have dubbed Tebogo “the next Noah Lyles,” but the young sprinter remains grounded. In an interview with Pulse Sports, he shared that while he respects Lyles, he doesn’t want to copy anyone’s style. “I’m not trying to be anyone else,” he said. “I’m just focused on being the best version of myself.” And that focus is paying off. While Lyles is an established force in the 200m, Tebogo is carving his own lane—one stride at a time.

For Letsile Tebogo, it’s not just about medals and records, but representation. And with his great performances, the 21-year-old sprinter made one thing clear: Africans belong on the sprinting world stage, and they can thrive here too. This year, Tebogo opened his season with a 400m race in Melbourne, a bold move that signals his intention to grow and evolve as an athlete. The best example of him being one of the top athletes is winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for his country.

With showing up on track in every championship, this “Schoolboy” isn’t yet done surprising the world. There was a time when the nickname “Schoolboy” was used to downplay Tebogo’s talents. Now? It’s a symbol of defiance, determination, and destiny. By owning the label, Tebogo flipped the narrative. He has proved that if you are young, it doesn’t mean that you are weak.

And one thing’s clear: this schoolboy is rewriting the curriculum for sprinters everywhere.

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