Africa’s sprint hero vs. the US stars

Botswana’s sprint hero to race the US stars

After taking world championship silver and bronze in the 100m and the 200m, Letsile Tebogo became the first African Olympic champion in the 200m in Paris this year. In Zurich, the new sprint king will be chased by his American colleagues. Kenneth Bednarek and Fred Kerley, in particular, would like to add a Weltklasse Zürich win to their Olympic silver and bronze medals.

Inspired by the first African 200m Olympic triumph he secured at the Stade de France in 19.46 (a new African record), Tebogo will tackle the prestigious race as a favourite. The 21-year-old is Botswana’s first Olympic champion, placed at number five in the 200m all time top list – and the man to beat.

A third “Swiss” win for the Zurich newcomer?

Kenneth Bednarek is all set to challenge Tebogo at Letzigrund Stadium. And fellow-countryman Fred Kerley, who is known for his strong start , will be pushing just as hard to win. After all, he is the Olympic bronze medallist and the 2022 world champion in the 100m.

Despite several days of celebrations at home, Botswana’s new national hero will definitely not be inclined to pass the 200m torch on the occasion of his Zurich debut, quite the contrary. He is out to win his third Wanda Diamond League race on Swiss soil, after prevailing at Athletissima Lausanne both in 2023 and 2024.    

Which stars are set to compete at Letzigrund Stadium on 5 September? All competitors confirmed for Weltklasse Zürich 2024 are listed here.

Credits: Diamond League AG