"I personally had 10 animals then Botswana government gave me 30 more" - Letsile Tebogo opens up on benefits of being a part-time farmer

Letsile Tebogo has commented on his methods of revitalizing himself after competing in professional competitions. The Paris Olympics gold medalist has revealed that he turns to farming as a way to refresh himself and had ten animals, before receiving an additional 30 given from his nation's government.

Tebogo made waves at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first African runner to win a 200m Olympic gold medal. The 21-year-old began his Paris event with the 100m, where he had to settle for a sixth place finish. Then he participated in the 200m final, where Noah Lyles was considered to be the leading contender.

However, Tebogo pulled off an upset win over Kenny Bednarek and Lyles, winning his first Olympic gold medal with a time of 19.46s. Subsequently, the 21-year-old helped Botswana win the silver medal in the men's 4x400m relay with a time of 2:54.53, just 0.10 seconds shy of the USA's gold-winning time.

Recently, Letsile Tebogo appeared for an interview with World Athletics, where he covered various facets of his life off the track, including his role as a part-time farmer. He pointed out the benefits of farming and said that he is responsible for taking care of a bunch of animals.

"I personally had 10 animals – cows and goats – and then the Botswana government gave me about 30 more now. I am still counting, there are still more coming from them," he said.

"Farming takes me away from the city life, so I can just refresh my mental life. Because in the city you are not a free human, but in the bush you are a free human being. It allows me to distract myself away from track and field. Once you think about track and field too much, at the moment you get too much stress," he added.

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"The support was really amazing to see" - Letsile Tebogo reflects on recieving a warm welcome in Botswana

Letsile Tebogo at the Olympic Games-Paris 2024 (Image via Getty)

Letsile Tebogo said that when he got back to Botswana as an Olympic champion, he was ecstatic after the incredible support and love he received in his country. It was at that moment he realized how much his life had changed.

"The support was really amazing to see. There were 80,000 people at the stadium and all along the road. I believe my life has changed and that I have changed a lot of lives in my home country, something I’ve been looking to do for the African continent. I have shown them that against all odds everything is possible," he stated (via World Athletics).

Letsile Tebogo received a cash prize of $75,000 along with additional rewards after securing gold in Paris.