2024 has been a breakout year for African athletes as they have proven that unlike before, they now have the skills and resources to compete with the best in the game.
Following an epic display at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, Botswana’s Tebogo Letsile has been named the best male athlete at the ANOC(Association of National Olympic Committees) Awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony debuted for the first time in 2014 and has been held every year since then, and it prides itself in its role in highlighting and honouring NOCs and athletes. “Held each year, the event is an opportunity for the world’s NOCs to come together in a relaxed and entertaining environment and enjoy an evening celebrating sport,” their website explains.
Among the extensive list of winners is Botswana’s golden sprinter, Letsile Tebogo who bagged the ‘Best Male Athlete’ award, following his historic performance in the 200m sprint which he went against the current fastest man alive Noah Lyles.
“It means a lot to me to be recognised by ANOC, it motivates me to keep on pushing,” Tebogo told Olympic.com when asked what this award means to him.
LETSILE TEBOGO is the BEST MALE ATHLETE at the ANOC 2024 Awards for Paris Olympic Games! Congrats, Champ! #TeamBW pic.twitter.com/wy7jhqwnW9
— Botswana Polls and Updates ??❤️ (@EverythingBW66) October 30, 2024
This award holds much significance not only for Tebogo but for many athletes from different countries across the world as well, particularly in track and field as this sport has been dominated by Jamaica and the USA. The parity in the sport has grown the game and garnered more excitement than ever before, encouraging more people to also have a go at it.
Also see: The SAMAs are this weekend?… Who knew?
