Letsile Tebogo, Botswana’s sprint sensation, has been awarded the inaugural Jesse Owens Rising Star Award at the 2024 Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels. This prestigious new award, named in honor of legendary US sprinter Jesse Owens, celebrates exceptional young talents in athletics and is presented annually to one outstanding male and female athlete under the age of 23.
The Jesse Owens Rising Star Award was introduced this year to elevate and promote promising young athletes across all disciplines. The winners are selected based on a point system that grades performances across various events, recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, perseverance, and potential.
Letsile Tebogo’s stellar performances throughout the 2024 season earned him the award, alongside a bronze statuette of Jesse Owens, designed by renowned Belgian sculptor Jan Desmarets. This symbolic piece honors Owens’ legacy while celebrating Tebogo’s incredible achievements on the track.
In addition to the statuette, two oak trees will be planted in Brussels, the host city of the 2024 Wanda Diamond League Final, to honor the male and female Rising Star winners. One of these trees will stand as a tribute to Tebogo’s outstanding performance and commitment to the sport. This oak tree serves as a lasting legacy, symbolizing not only Tebogo’s excellence but also Botswana’s growing influence in global athletics.
The Jesse Owens Rising Star Award will continue to highlight the most promising young athletes at every Wanda Diamond League Final, fostering the next generation of sports talent and ensuring the continued impact of athletics worldwide.
