National Icon Letsile Tebogo Honoured On Botswana’s New Banknote
Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo has been immortalised on Botswana’s new P50 note, unveiled on Friday, 12 September 2025, by the Bank of Botswana. The release coincided with the bank’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and was announced by the Office of the President of Botswana.
The Office of the President posted on X:
“
50 Years of Excellence! The Bank of Botswana unveils a new P50 note featuring Olympic medalist Letsile Tebogo, celebrating both its Golden Jubilee and a national icon!”
The announcement attracted thousands of views, with many praising the decision to place the 22-year-old athlete on the new currency.
Tebogo’s rise to global stardom
Tebogo, who grew up in Gaborone, made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics when he stormed to victory in the 200m final, bringing home Botswana’s first Olympic gold medal. His achievement made him a household name across Africa and beyond.
In the World Athletics documentary Built for Speed, Tebogo recalled how sport shaped his path away from hardship:
“Without sport I believe I’d also be behind bars because that was the only way we knew of.”
He shared how his inspiration came from Jamaican legend Usain Bolt.
“By the time I did that transition (from football to athletics), Usain Bolt – he was the hottest thing in the sport. I wanted to be like him.”
Bolt himself appeared in the documentary and praised the young sprinter:
“Where to start with this kid? The talent is there, the confidence is there also, which is always important – going out there and competing at a high level.”
A fitting tribute at home
The decision to feature Tebogo on the currency has been widely seen as a celebration of his contributions to Botswana’s sporting history. At just 22, his medal tally includes Olympic gold, World Championship silver, and bronze, making him one of Africa’s brightest stars in athletics.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on 11 September 2025, Tebogo expressed his determination despite injury struggles earlier in the season:
“This is not my true potential right now. I feel there is still a lot more in the tank that people need to see. I take this as a big motivation.”
His inclusion on the new P50 banknote has been described as symbolic of national pride. The unveiling came at a time when Botswana is preparing for increased representation on the global athletics stage, with Tebogo set to compete in both the 100m and 200m events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, starting on 13 September.
The banknote not only marks 50 years of the Bank of Botswana but also cements Tebogo’s place as a national hero, honoured not just in stadiums but also in the pockets of his fellow citizens.
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