'I don't like asking'- Letsile Tebogo explains why he would rather struggle than ask for help

'I don't like asking'- Letsile Tebogo explains why he would rather struggle than ask for help

Abigael Wafula 10:45 - 12.11.2024

Letsile Tebogo credited his community’s support and his coach’s guidance for nurturing his talent, but explained why he prefers to face struggles quietly without asking for help.

Letsile Tebogo has opened up about the crucial role his community plays in terms of nurturing his talent as he explained why he prefers keeping silent even during times of struggle.

The reigning Olympic 200m champion revealed that people are usually willing to help but he does not like asking since it feels like begging. In an interview with NBC Sport, Letsile Tebogo revealed that he is only comfortable asking his coach Kebonyemodisa "Dose" Mosimanyane.

Tebogo added that his coach is the only person who fully comprehends the challenges he faces as an athlete and would come in handy when he notices a lack of something.

“The community always has it’s way of supporting the children and for me, they always back me up with the little that that I need to do. If I need transport money, they would pledge if I’m asking but I don’t like to ask because I feel like I’ll be a burden to people,” Letsile Tebogo said.

“I’d rather struggle on my own and then find the best thing that I would do but I’m grateful for my coach because he knows all the struggles. If I need something, that’s the person I would go to, he is my right-hand man.”

This year has seen the youngster receive tons of support after a tough start to the season when he lost his mother Seratiwa Tebogo to a short illness. Letsile Tebogo, however, overcame the tough situation to win races and post faster times.

With support from his community, the world 100m silver medallist went on to claim the 200m gold medal and anchor Botswana’s 4x400m relay team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

He claimed top honours in a series of Diamond League Meetings including Lausanne, Rome, Zurich, and Silesia. Letsile Tebogo then went on to finish second at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, Belgium.

He hopes to continue with his impeccable form next season with the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan the main event of the year.

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