Olympic 200-meter champion Letsile Tebogo has said his gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics was fueled by an annoying fan of his main rival Noah Lyles.

Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo has revealed some behind-the-scenes intrigue during the Paris Olympics that helped him win the gold medal in the 200-meter race.

Tebogo entered the race as one of those aiming for a medal, with three-time world champion Noah Lyles the clear favorite for the gold medal.

Lyles had already promised to “suppress” his rivals in the 200-meter final and entered the stadium full of energy and ready for battle.

Tebogo has made a shocking revelation regarding his off-season weight plans following the end of the Diamond League season in September.

However, it was Tebogo who won the race, with American Kenny Bednarek coming second and Lyles, to the surprise of many, coming third.

Now the 21-year-old told what was going on in the stands. He revealed that during the preparations for the final, a lady in the audience kept calling out Lyles’ name, which got under his skin and fueled his hunger for success even further.

“There were eight of us on the track, she should have at least called others,” Tebogo said about the fan, quoted by Daily news from Botswana.

Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo believes that the great reception he received in his home country after winning gold at the Olympic Games has had a positive impact on his life and inspired many other people in Africa.

Tebogo says he remembers beating Lyles in the semifinals and knew lightning could strike twice, which ultimately turned out to be true.

“So, I took a deep breath and in the back of my mind I knew I had beaten Noah Lyles in the semifinals. I just assumed he wasn’t himself and took advantage of that,” he added.

A shocked Lyles lay on the track for several minutes after the race before being taken away in a wheelchair. It was later confirmed that he had contracted COVID-19.

Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo has revealed the business he plans to invest his athletics earnings into as he begins planning his life after sport.

Tebogo was celebrated worldwide for his victory and Botswana generously rewarded him with the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal.

The sprinter was in action this week as he once again overwhelmed his rivals to win the Lausanne Diamond League 200m race on Thursday.