Botswana’s Tebogo impresses ahead of 2025 World Championships
As fans from across the region gathered for the 2025 FNB Golden Prix, a buzzing atmosphere engulfed Gaborone Stadium, in Botswana. The event brought thrilling performances showing African athletic excellence ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Relays, which will be hosted in Botswana, and Africa for the first time.
For many, the highlight of the day was the return of Botswana’s sprinting sensation, Letsile Tebogo, who delivered a sensational performance in front of an adoring home crowd. Tebogo, who missed the 2024 edition, made his comeback, storming to victory in the men’s 200m with a time of 20.23 seconds. The crowd erupted as he crossed the finish line, reaffirming his position as one of the continent’s brightest stars.
Reflecting on his win on Saturday, April 12, Tebogo said, “We’re in a catch-up season, but I’m back on the podium. The goal was to finish strong and replicate the success we had at last year’s championships.” Tebogo made history in the men’s 200 metres final at the 2024 Summer Olympics after winning Botswana’s first ever Olympic gold medal.
But the excitement didn’t stop with Tebogo. The women’s races delivered drama and delight in equal measure. South African teenager Hanna Hope Vermaak made a statement in the 100m sprint, clocking in at 11.44 seconds to edge out her compatriot Viwe Jingqi. At just 17, Vermaak’s victory marked a promising sign of the new talent emerging in African athletics.
However, it was Egypt’s Basant Hemida who truly stole the show in the women’s 400m. Competing outside her usual distance, Hemida stunned the field and the audience with a commanding run that set a new meet record of 50.77 seconds. “I’m thrilled,” she said after the race. “This isn’t my regular event, but to come back after a long break and win in such a competitive race is amazing.”
Another standout moment came from South African sprint veteran Akani Simbine, who clinched the men’s 100m title in a hotly contested race against Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala. His experience and consistency proved decisive, with Simbine describing the win as the culmination of years of sacrifice and hard work. “It’s about growing with each season,” he said. “I’ve put in the work, and to return here as a world champion is something special.”
While the event featured stellar performances from across the continent, Tebogo’s victory held deeper meaning for the host nation. As Botswana prepares to host the 2025 World Championships, his win served as both inspiration and confirmation that the country is ready for the global spotlight.
“I believe Botswana is more than prepared,” Tebogo affirmed. “With the government’s support and the incredible fans we have here, we’re ready to show the world what we’re capable of.”
The FNB Golden Prix has become more than just an athletics meet—it’s now a beacon of national pride and a platform for Africa’s finest to shine. With the 2025 championships on the horizon, Gaborone’s showcase on Saturday made one thing clear: the continent is rising, and Botswana is leading the charge.
Written by Kweku Sampson
This article is published by either a staff writer, an intern, or an editor of TheAfricanDream.net, based on editorial discretion.
