'A true man of the people' - Noah Lyles & fans react to Letsile Tebogo's heroic rescuing of motorists trapped in flood water

Noah Lyles is among those who praised Letsile Tebogo for his heroic display in Botswana. Photo || Courtesy

'A true man of the people' - Noah Lyles & fans react to Letsile Tebogo's heroic rescuing of motorists trapped in flood water

Mark Kinyanjui 19:59 - 20.02.2025

Noah Lyles & several fans have reacted to Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo's heroic display rescuing stranded motorists trapped in flood water back in his country Botswana.

Reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo has received widespread reactions after his daring act of rescuing motorists stranded in floodwaters in his home country, Botswana.

Among those acknowledging his bravery was his American rival, Noah Lyles.

In videos and photos circulating online, Tebogo was seen using a truck to tow partially submerged vehicles to safety.

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 His selfless act came amid heavy flooding caused by torrential rains that have wreaked havoc in the country, damaging homes, infrastructure, and making several bridges impassable.

According to reports from Botswana Youth, the incident occurred near the BTV/Block 3 traffic lights, an area hit hard by the severe weather.

Following his actions, members of the track and field community, including fans and athletes, flooded social media with praise and opinions.

Noah Lyles, who finished behind Tebogo in the 200m final at the Paris Olympics, was among the first to commend the sprinter’s heroic gesture.

“A true man of the people,” Lyles wrote in response to a post by World Athletics on X.

Other fans joined in celebrating Tebogo:

“Well done @tebogo_letsile. The weather has been very bad in both Botswana and South Africa since last week Thursday. I hope everyone is safe,” commented @lorrenzom.

“Give him the Nobel, the Ballon d’Or, the Olympic Gold, the Medal of Honour… Give him a Grammy while we’re at it,” joked @MengO00499589.

“Truly inspiring! Letsile Tebogo has not only proven himself as a champion on the track but also as a hero in the community. His selfless act of rescuing stranded vehicles showcases his kindness and dedication to helping others in times of need. A true role model—thank you,” wrote @KgosiemangRob.

More fans expressed their admiration for Tebogo, with many calling him a "special human being" and a "true champion." Some praised his selflessness, while others affectionately declared their pride in having him represent Botswana. One even joked that his heroism made them want a man from Botswana, while another envisioned him as a future statesman.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some expressed concern over the dangers of engaging in such rescues without proper training.

“This is very naïve of him... What if something had happened to Africa’s star? Could be very stupid of him. He should let the right authorities do their jobs—safety first in disaster management. Next time he should maybe donate to the disaster relief agency to help,” @Yanomufasa commented.

Despite the mixed reactions, the consensus remains that Tebogo’s courage and willingness to assist those in need reflect his character beyond the track. 

As he continues to shine in athletics, this act of heroism has further solidified his status as a true champion in the eyes of many.

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