"I can't put a date on when I'm going to break the world record"-Letsile Tebogo issues a clarification on claims to better Usain Bolt's record

Letsile Tebogo issued a clarification for his claims to break the legendary athlete Usain Bolt's 200m world record which stands at 19.19s. After winning the 200m at the Lausanne Diamond League 2024 weeks after the Paris Olympics, the Botswanian athlete claimed that it won't take him long to break the long standing record.

On being asked about the 200m world record after winning the Lausanne Diamond League 2024 he said:

"Probably when we are 24, that's when we can attempt something like that but I don't think it will take long, looking at what I did today and what I did in the 200m final. I don't think it will take that long because I could see it, it’s about 10 meters away from me."

The statement brought about a lot of discussions among track fans. Some fans were enthusiastic to witness the limits of the sport being pushed whereas some fans took to social media to express that his claims seemed exaggerated with Tebogo's personal best standing at 19.46s and the world record being 19.19s.

Letisle Tebogo issued a clarification for his statements at the Silesia Diamond League.

"I said it was 10 meters away from me. So, it is going to take a lot of courage for me to do that. I think a little bit of rest up before we could attempt it again. So, it's going to take a while. Maybe, when the body feels good, when the weather is perfect at Brussels. That's when we'll see how the time is going to be but I can't put a date on when I'm going to break the world record because the moment I put the date, I've already put myself under pressure," he said.

Letsile Tebogo's performances after the Paris Olympics

Letsile Tebogo Wanda Diamond League meeting in Chorzow - Source: Getty

After winning the gold medal in the 200m at the Paris Olympics, Letsile Tebogo opted to continue his 2024 season and made an appearance at the Lausanne Diamond League two weeks after the quadrennial games.

Tebogo competed in the men's 200m and won the race with a formidable lead clocking 19.64s. He defeated top athletes like Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton to clinch the victory. The 21-year-old then marched on to the Silesia Diamond League a week later.

After trailing behind initially, Tebogo put forward a strong finish to clinch the gold medal thereby setting a new meet record in the process with a time of 19.83s.