Last year, the world watched in awe as Botswana announced themselves as global powerhouses. At the heart of it was Letsile Tebogo, a 20-year-old prodigy who showcased his sub-44 ability back-to-back in just 24 hours and his reason was simple– “Changing the perspective of Africa from being a long-distance continent into being a short-distance continent.” Being the second leg in the men’s 4×400 relay along with Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, the team ran 2:59.11, the world’s fastest time of the year and the first gold medal in relays in Botswana history. Otherwise too, Tebogo had been the firepower behind Bostwana’s wins.

In Budapest, he became the first African to medal in both the 100m (silver) and 200m (bronze) at the World Championships in 2023. Then there was his Paris Olympics win where he became first ever from Botswana, and first for Africa since 1996, to bring an Olympic gold home for the 200m event with a new African record of 19.46 seconds. He also brought silver in the men’s 4x400m relay. So, while the momentum was high as Bostwana enters the World Relays as one of the most talked about teams with their recent successes on world stage, there came an update that not many track and field fans would like to hear.

Just days before the 2025 World Athletics Relays set for May 10 to 11, in Guangzhou, China, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has confirmed status of three pillars of their historic 4x400m relay team. The announcement came through a formal release from the BAA on Monday, May 5, which stated, “We regret to inform you that three of our men’s 4×400 metres relay team members, namely Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori have officially withdrawn from the team for personal reasons.

Botswana Athletics Association Board has unanimously agreed that the trio be withdrawn as per their request. The nation must rest assured that the remaining team members will do their best and must rally behind the team as always.” 

In the light of the decision, while none of the other two athletes who withdrew their names have spoken up, Tebogo did acknowledge BAA’s report and gave his reasons to his followers on

Facebook. On May 6, he posted, “I wish to clarify that my withdrawal was not a decision taken lightly, nor without due consideration and engagement with relevant stakeholders. As stated, a personal decision was made in the best interest of all parties involved, and in full alignment with my long-term goals as a professional athlete.“I remain fully committed to my country, the team, and the advancement of athletics in Botswana. As always, I remain proud to represent Botswana on the world stage and urge the nation to rally behind the team with the same energy and spirit that defines us as Batswana. To my fans and stakeholders, I sincerely apologize for missing the opportunity to compete at the World Relays. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for your understanding. Be assured that my schedule for the season remains unchanged. Thank You!”

Botswana’s hopes of defending its 4x400m relay crown at the World Athletics Relays have taken a heavy blow. Nonetheless, Team Botswana’s head coach Justice Dipeba, despite understanding the setback that this news brings, is looking forward to the rest of the team.

“These are athletes who not only have vast experience but are currently in top form. Their absence alters the entire approach we had laid out for this campaign,” Dipeba told reporters on Monday. Showing that it’s time for others to step up, he further added, “This year’s relays are about more than medals—they are a chance to show that Botswana is a force in global athletics. While it’s a major blow to lose such experienced runners, I believe in the depth and potential of this team.

“This is the time for others to step up. They should not be intimidated by the absence of their teammates. Instead, they must see this as their moment to shine. I have seen athletes with limited exposure deliver when it mattered most. This is not the end—it’s a new beginning for some of these runners.”

However, this unexpected withdrawal has left fans and experts alike stunned. With Tebogo, the breakout sprinting star, Ndori, the dependable anchor, and Kebinatshipi, the solid lead-off leg, all stepping aside, the chances of the team securing a medal is low. And everyone is feeling that.

Fans react as Botswana relay members, including Letsile Tebogo, miss the World Relays

Botswana’s athletics community is reeling after three of its top athletes, including global sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, opted out of national team duties, citing “personal reasons.” The timing of the withdrawals and the number haven’t sat well. The timing, the silence, the pattern—it all feels too sudden.

“That’s not true—we can’t do our best without those three members because they’re important runners on our relay team.” While there is no clear know-how how why they have pulled out, fans are understandably not heartbroken with the news. These three make up for a majority of the team who have helped propel Bostwana to the success in recent history.

Another fan didn’t mince words: “⁠Good for them, let them concentrate on one competition which is the Diamond league. Mind you the season has just started..” Last year, Tebogo came from behind in the 200m event at the Silesia Diamond League with a meeting record of 19.83 seconds by a whisker. Certainly, Tebogo would be focused on grabbing the win in a much cleaner manner this time around. However, he finished third in the 100m event at Shanghai Diamond league earlier this month with 10.33 seconds on the clock.

Ready to prepare for the Doha Diamond League, he confirmed, “We are still building up for the main part of the season and I get more excited with these challenges and competing against the guys. Today shows I am on the right level and I can deliver more in the coming weeks.”

The news isn’t just disappointment; it’s heartbreak for some fans, who declared bluntly, “This is the whole team mos😭um heartbroken 💔.” Some even openly laid out their feelings, “I’m wretched and disappointed.” Still, not all reactions are drenched in disappointment. Some fans are choosing to see the silver lining.

“This is a good call,” one supporter said. “They already won gold. They don’t need to be there. Let the kids go have fun, man. Even if we don’t win, it doesn’t matter. In 2026, we will be here.” That feeling of long-term optimism is giving others hope, too.

As one fan put it, “Other upcoming athletes will shine and make a name for themselves.” For now, Botswana’s track giants are stepping away from the spotlight, and their reasons—whatever they truly are—remain behind closed doors. But the fans? They’re wide awake, watching, questioning, and hoping.