The former Olympics and world champion was left speechless after the Botswana sprint sensation shut down the Rome Diamond League in style.
Former Olympics and world 100m champion Justin Gatlin was left surprised by Letsile Tebogo's dominant victory in Rome on Friday.
Botswana’s Olympic 200m champion Tebogo brought the Diamond League meeting in Rome to a startling conclusion as he overhauled world indoor champion Christian Coleman and Olympic bronze medallist Fred Kerley to win the men’s 100m in 9.87.
Riding a wave of confidence since his Olympics gold medal win in 200m, Tebogo looked across the track with 20 metres to go and started celebrating as soon as he saw he was passing Coleman.
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00:03 - 31.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo claims dominant victory in Rome as Ferdinand Omanyala misses podium place
Letsile Tebogo continued his winning streak with a dominant victory in the men's 100m at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome, shocking Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Ferdinand Omanyala and Co.
That arrogance on the track left Gatlin impressed, terming his race and the manner he did it "scary."
"Great showing for Coleman, but to watch Tebogo shut it down at 80m was scary," Gatlin posted on X.
Tebogo may deny he is the new face of sprinting but his actions speak differently.
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00:00 - 31.08.2024
Faith Kipyegon obliterates the field to claim easy victory at Rome Diamond League
Three-time Olympics champion Faith Kipyegon had no equals as she ran a dominant race to win the 1,500m at the Rome Diamond League.
The 21-year-old, who finished sixth in the Olympic 100m final in a national record of 9.86, overhauled Coleman, the fast-starting 60m world record holder, and Kerley over the final 30 metres, turning to face them before crossing the line with a broad smile.
"I told myself if I have a perfect start, I know I can beat anybody because there's still more in the tank going into the 200m and 100m ahead of the Diamond League final," Tebogo said after the race.
Coleman, who failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, was second in 9.92, with Kerley third in 9.95.
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22:38 - 30.08.2024
Winfred Yavi extends hot streak to strike meet record at the Diamond League in Rome
Fresh from claiming the women's 3000m steeplechase title at the Paris Olympic Games, Winfred Yavi has extended her winning streak to the Diamond League Meeting in Rome.
Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala finished seventh in 10.08.
With Jamaica’s Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson a late withdrawal, fans were left wondering what might have been had he been present.
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