GABORONE, Botswana — April 13, 2025 — A thunderous crowd filled Gaborone Stadium on Saturday as Botswana’s national sprinting sensation, Letsile Tebogo, made a triumphant return to the FNB Golden Prix, clinching gold in the men’s 200m and igniting national pride ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
The April 12 event marked Tebogo’s comeback to the prestigious meet after missing the 2024 edition. Clocking a winning time of 20.23 seconds, the 21-year-old Olympian and world medalist powered past a competitive field in a performance that electrified spectators and affirmed Botswana’s growing status on the global athletics map.
“This is our catch-up season, but I’m on the podium now,” said Tebogo. “The goal was to finish first and perform well, just like we did in the 2023 championships.”
Golden Moments Across the Track
While Tebogo’s victory was the headline-grabber, the day was filled with standout performances from elite athletes across Africa and beyond.
In the men’s 100m, South African sprint icon Akani Simbine held off a strong challenge from Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, winning the race with signature speed and composure. Simbine, who has consistently been among Africa’s top sprinters, described the win as a culmination of hard work and perseverance.
“This result comes after years of preparation and sacrifice,” Simbine said. “It’s about doing better each year, and I’m proud to return as a world champion.”
The women’s sprints also saw rising talent take center stage. Seventeen-year-old Hanna Hope Vermaak of South Africa stunned the crowd with her win in the 100m, clocking 11.44 seconds to edge past fellow South African Viwe Jingqi in a photo-finish.
“I was nervous but focused,” Vermaak said. “It’s incredible to compete here and win. I’ll take this energy into the next round of competitions.”
However, it was Basant Hemida of Egypt who arguably delivered the most eye-catching result of the day. Stepping outside her usual discipline, Hemida shattered the meet record in the women’s 400m, crossing the finish line in 50.77 seconds.
“I’m thrilled,” said Hemida. “This isn’t my usual event, but I’m happy to win the 400m after a long break and a very competitive race.”
A Showcase of Continental Talent
This year’s FNB Golden Prix brought together some of Africa’s top track athletes, serving not only as a platform for competition but as a strategic precursor to the 2025 World Championships, which Botswana will host — the first time the country will welcome the global event.
Athletics Botswana President Paphane Botlhale praised the meet’s growing stature and emphasized the importance of preparing local athletes for the upcoming international spotlight.
“The FNB Golden Prix is more than a competition — it’s a benchmark,” Botlhale said. “It reflects our ambition to be a leader in athletics on the continent and beyond.”
Over 12,000 fans packed the national stadium for the event, showcasing the country’s growing enthusiasm for athletics. Government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, were also in attendance, affirming the state’s investment in sports as a key part of Botswana’s development agenda.
Tebogo’s Return Signals Botswana’s Readiness
For Tebogo, Saturday’s win was more than just a personal victory — it was a statement of intent. Often referred to as Botswana’s “golden boy,” the sprinter has already made history as the first African to win a medal in the 100m at the World U20 Championships and continues to break barriers on the international circuit.
“I believe Botswana is ready for the World Championships,” Tebogo said after his race. “With the support of the government and incredible people here, we’re prepared for 2025.”
Tebogo also hinted at using the upcoming months to fine-tune his performance and build momentum heading into the global stage.
“It’s about growth and timing. Today showed we’re on track — not just me, but the entire Botswana athletics team,” he added.
Looking Ahead: 2025 World Championships in Focus
The 2025 World Championships will be a historic milestone for Botswana. The southern African nation will become the first country in the region to host the prestigious athletics event, expected to draw over 200 nations and thousands of visitors, bringing significant economic and cultural attention.
The FNB Golden Prix is part of a series of lead-up events designed to test facilities, logistics, and athlete readiness. Saturday’s flawless execution was seen as a positive indicator of what lies ahead.
According to organizers, preparations are on schedule, with infrastructure upgrades, hospitality initiatives, and security measures all underway in anticipation of the international influx.
“We are building more than stadiums; we are building a legacy,” said Boitumelo Mphela, chair of the 2025 World Championships Local Organizing Committee. “These events are proof that we’re not just ready — we’re eager.”
A Continent in Motion
As the world of athletics continues to evolve, Africa is increasingly stepping into the spotlight, not just as a source of elite athletes but as a capable host of world-class competitions. Events like the FNB Golden Prix are critical in telling that story — showcasing emerging talent, uniting communities, and setting the stage for new athletic legacies.
For the athletes, it’s a moment to shine. For the host nation, it’s a moment to lead.
As the sun set over Gaborone on Saturday evening, the cheers echoing through the stadium weren’t just for individual winners — they were for a country standing tall on the world stage, sprinting full speed into the future.
