"I've shown Africa that against all odds, everything is possible" - Letsile Tebogo

Newly minted Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo believes that his exploits in Paris, and the events following the games, have changed his life, and that of many in the African continent to believe that “against all odds, everything is possible.”

Tebogo was speaking on Wednesday at his first public appearance since being taken aback by the events of Tuesday 13 August, when the Botswana sprinter was treated to a heroic welcome by a crowd of over 30,000 nationals in his home-coming ceremony.

Letsile Tebogo serenaded by thousands after claiming Botswana's first Olympic gold [VIDEO]

On the day, when citizens were handed a half-day holiday by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Tebogo and his men's 4x400m relay team - which he anchored to silver - were treated to a joyous celebration right from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to the National Stadium, where they were paraded on a rooftop bus, waving at rapturous supporters who united to celebrate the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal.

Asked about the celebrations, Tebogo said: “The support was really amazing to see 30,000 plus people at the stadium and along the roads coming back home.”

The day, and perhaps the two medals won in Paris had a bigger impact.

“I believe my life has changed and I've changed a lot of lives in my home country,” Tebogo, who spoke to the media ahead of Thursday’s Lausanne Diamond League said. “It's something that I've been looking forward to, and not just in my country, but also for the African continent, because I've shown them that against all odds everything is possible."

Omanyala alongside Kerley, Tebogo and Kishane in star-filled Rome Diamond League

In an epic 200m final at the Olympics, Tebogo, 21, stunned the whole world to claim gold ahead of the odds on favorites Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles, and later dedicated the medal to his late mother who passed away back in May after a short bout with illness.

A short turn-around withstanding, Tebogo will seek to claim a win in the Swiss city on Thursday evening, when he comes up against the American duo of Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton.