Rome Diamond League 2024: Letsile Tebogo storms to men's 100m Golden Gala victory
The Olympic 200m champion could even afford to ease up – and produce a rare spot of showboating – as he cruised to an impressive win in Rome.
Athletics
Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo stormed to an impressive men's 100m win at the Golden Gala, Rome's Diamond League athletics meet, on Friday (30 August), claiming a sublime victory in 9.87 seconds among a stacked field.
The race featured the likes of home favourite and Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs as well as 2019 world champion Christian Coleman and Paris 2024 bronze medallist Fred Kerley, although Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson withdrew from his second straight Diamond League meet citing a tight hamstring.
It was Coleman who had the strongest start, leading through the first half of the race as Tebogo, who also started quickly, made up ground. But by the time Botswana's new Olympic hero was in full stride, Coleman didn't really stand a chance.
As Tebogo overtook Coleman, he stretched out both arms to his side in a rare show of showboating – even with still 15m to go in the race – in the full knowledge that he had won, even easing up to the line.
There didn't need to be any wild celebrations for Tebogo after the race. A big grin on his face, and his hands held up with his fingers in a "W" sign, said it all as he turned to face good friend Kerley, who gestured with his hands to his eyes as if to say "we're all watching you".
Coleman came second in 9.92 seconds with U.S. compatriot Kerley third in 9.95 seconds.
Pietro Mennea Golden Gala - Rome Diamond League 2024 - Men's 100m results
- Letsile Tebogo (BOT) 9.87
- Christian Coleman (USA) 9.92
- Fred Kerley (USA) 9.95
- Ackeem Blake (JAM) 10.03
- Sani Brown Abdul Hakim (JPN) 10.05
- Kyree King (USA) 10.07
- Ferdinand Omanyala (KEN) 10.08
- Jeremiah Azu (GBR) 10.17
- Marcell Jacobs (ITA) 10.20
Wind: +0.3m/s