World Athletics appoints Olympic champion Tebogo as Kids’ Athletics Day 2025 ambassador

World Athletics has named Botswana’s Olympic gold medallist and 2024 World Athlete of the Year, Letsile Tebogo, as an ambassador for its Kids’ Athletics programme.

This global initiative leverages athletics to inspire children worldwide to be more active.

Tebogo captured global attention with his stunning Olympic 200m victory in Paris, clocking 19.46 – the fifth-fastest time in history. As a 21-year-old role model, he is dedicated to encouraging young athletes to embrace the sport for fun, fitness, and personal growth.

“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 honoured to be part of this initiative to help develop future champions – on and off the track,” said Tebogo as he expressed excitement about the role.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Tebogo’s impact, saying, “I am always delighted when a talent like Letsile Tebogo emerges through our competition structures. It shows other young talented athletes the pathway. Letsile is confident, determined and humble and is already inspiring a whole generation of young potential athletes and children as they learn to make sport part of every day. This is why I am so pleased Letsile has agreed to be an ambassador for Kids’ Athletics.”

As part of his role, Tebogo will participate in the Relay Around the World Challenge leading up to Kids’ Athletics Day on May 7, 2025 – a global celebration promoting active lifestyles.

This year’s theme, Relay Around the World, is inspired by the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, making it the biggest and most inclusive Kids’ Athletics participation event yet.

The campaign officially launches on Sunday, April 6, 2025.