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Botswana's sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo inspires fellow athletes, sparking Ross Branch's historic journey to global motorsport glory.
Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo is not only inspiring his nation on the track but also playing a pivotal role in uplifting other sports in Botswana.
His resounding success in the Olympics has reverberated across the country, igniting a spark in fellow athletes, including motorcyclist Ross Branch, who recently made history by becoming the first African to win the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
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18:37 - 15.08.2024
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Tebogo’s influence extended beyond athletics, as he personally encouraged Branch during the final stages of the championship, offering heartfelt words of motivation.
“Letsile was on the phone with me the week before saying, ‘We can do it. We are Botswana, and we stand together,’” Branch revealed to BBC Sport Africa.
“With his gold medal came a lot of pressure, but it was good pressure. We have such a small country and there is a small community of athletes in Botswana, so we all stand together.”
Branch, 38, rose to the occasion, clinching the prestigious title in Morocco during the last of five W2RC events.
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19:13 - 12.12.2024
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Reflecting on his path to victory, Branch admitted it wasn’t without its challenges.
“Motorsport is a cruel sport as well as the best sport in the world. When you have your lows, it’s hard to get over it. I had a dream and a goal and kept chasing that goal.”
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19:00 - 30.10.2024
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Despite doubts about his age, Branch proved critics wrong.
“Everyone was saying I might be too old to get a world title, but I’m so happy to have proved those guys wrong,” he said.
Branch’s victory is even more remarkable given his decision to stay based in Botswana, bucking the trend of African motorsport athletes relocating to Europe.
“Being in Botswana and in Southern Africa, we’ve got the best terrain and the best areas to go and ride,” he explained.
“It’s not far from my house that I can go and get into an open desert. For me and the facet of the sport that we are in, it’s extremely important to stay here.”
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09:12 - 19.08.2024
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While financial barriers and logistical hurdles have limited African representation in motorsport, Branch sees potential for change.
With a leg of the W2RC being held in Sun City, South Africa, for the first time in 2025, he believes the stage is set for a breakthrough.
“Having the South African round will open the door for hundreds of riders that are here. It will make it a lot cheaper to participate and break into the market of Rally-Raid racing.”
Branch, who is contracted with Hero MotoSports until 2027, is looking forward to competing in front of his home crowd. “
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07:30 - 19.08.2024
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As soon as they released the calendar for next year, I had at least 100 family and friends book accommodation [to watch the race],” he shared.
“I’m excited to host my family and friends and show them what we can do.”
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