World Athletics has announced Olympic gold medallist and 2024 World Athlete of the Year, Letsile Tebogo, as the new ambassador for its Kids’ Athletics programme.
The global initiative aims to inspire children to embrace athletics as a path to fitness, fun, and personal growth.
Tebogo, a 21-year-old sprinter from Botswana, gained international acclaim after clinching the Olympic 200m gold in Paris with an impressive time of 19.46, making him the fifth-fastest man in history.
As a young role model and champion of the sport, Tebogo is now committed to motivating the next generation to engage in athletics and strive for greatness.
Speaking about his new role, Tebogo shared his passion for the cause: “Athletics has given me so many opportunities, and I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves, dream big, and enjoy the sport. The Kids’ Athletics programme is about making athletics accessible and fun, and I am honored to help develop future champions – on and off the track.”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Tebogo’s appointment: “Letsile is a phenomenal talent who exemplifies determination and humility. He is already inspiring a new generation of athletes and children, showing them how to make sport a part of their everyday lives. I am thrilled to see him become an ambassador for Kids’ Athletics.”
As part of his ambassadorial duties, Tebogo will lead the “Relay Around the World Challenge,” an exciting event ahead of Kids’ Athletics Day 2025, scheduled for May 7.
This year’s theme, inspired by the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, seeks to encourage widespread participation and spark enthusiasm for athletics among children globally.
The campaign, which officially launches on April 6, 2025, promises to be the largest Kids’ Athletics event yet, with a mission to get kids moving and celebrating the joy of athletics.
