Doha, Qatar - He greeted LeTsile Tebogo in the track of the men's 200m in the Doha Diamond League of Qatar World Track and Field, and withdrew from the championship a few minutes later.
The Botswanan Olympic gold medalist made his Doha debut on Friday night in a mildly pleasant match, scanning his closest competitor next to his closest competitor as he crossed the finish line 0.01 before Courtney Lindsey of the United States (US)
It was a leisurely match with his victory in France nine months ago when he left the star-studded American roster - including 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles as he brought Botswana to Botswana, his first Olympic gold medalist.
As a kid, Tebogo was a keen footballer who favored the left wing but was pushed to track and field by his teacher.
Seven years later, when he became the first African to win a 200m gold medal at the Olympics, the barely sprinter sat the world up and caught the attention.
The day before the Doha Diamond League, World Athletics 2024 Athlete of the Year sat down with Al Jazeera to reflect on his achievements in Paris and its impact on the African continent:
Al Jazeera: What has happened to life since winning the Olympic gold?
title tebogo: In many ways.
First, people have improved awareness of the scale of my achievements, which has led to commercial benefits.
I now have multiple opportunities to support myself because multiple brands want to be associated with my name.
What I am most excited about, though, is the impact I have on aspiring athletes.
I have proven that by staying on the right track and working hard, you can achieve your dreams no matter which world you come from.
No matter where you are, whatever you have, just make sure you put in enough effort and dedication.
Al Jazeera: When you are in Botswana, it is difficult for you to leave your home?
Tebogo: I will never go out unless I attend the event. I've been locking indoors because I don't want to go there too much.
I like to have a mysterious element that wants people to wonder: where is he and what is he doing?
Al Jazeera: How does it feel to break the Olympic medals in the United States and Jamaica?
Tebogo: This has always been my goal. Seize their dominance. Unfortunately, only two countries ruled the movement for decades.
I want to make a breakthrough for African athletes. I aspire to be the one who achieves this and then accepts the response from the world. This reaction is heart-warming.
Al Jazeera: Africa cannot get as many medals as possible in the sprint compared to the success of the distance running. What challenges do African athletes face when sprinting at the highest level?
Tebogo: It depends mainly on infrastructure and support, but I'm not sure. However, I can see Africans looking to invest in athletes who are beyond distance.
Once the government joins, this will have a huge impact on the sport.
Al Jazeera: Can you see the impact of your success on the Batswana athletes?
Tebogo: It's still early, but I'm sure I've seen athletes posing a layer of self-doubt. They are no longer afraid to stand up and show their talents.
I hope the new (Botswana) government will take the next step and help these athletes.
Al Jazeera: How do you view the future of the African sprint?
Tebogo: Africans are stepping up their efforts and we see more African athletes in global competitions.
I dream of having an all-African lineup at the Olympics one day.
