Namibia’s first Olympic Silver Medallist Frankie Fredericks has sent a heart-warming congratulatory message to Botswana’s Tebogo Letsile, who broke his 27-year-old 200-metre African record on Sunday evening.

Letsile set the record when he came second in a time of 19.50 seconds during the Diamond League meeting in London on Sunday evening.

"It's incredibly inspiring to see homegrown athletes achieving great success. Both Letsile and [Christine] Mboma are homegrown. They serve as a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work that exists right within our own communities."

He further said with proper training, support, and opportunities, athletes can thrive.

"These outstanding individuals not only bring honour and pride to their hometowns but also inspire younger generations to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. Their achievements remind us that with determination and perseverance, it's possible to reach the highest levels of success right from the comfort of our own local sports facilities.

"So, let's celebrate and support our homegrown athletes."

Noah Lyles won the extremely quick men’s race in a time of 19.47 seconds, improving his own 2023 world-leading time by two-tenths of a second.

Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain also set a new national record of 19.73 seconds, breaking John Regis’s time of 19.94 seconds, which had stood since 1993.

Fredricks posted his congratulatory message on his personal Facebook account immediately after the race.

“I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new African 200-metre record holder, Letsile Tebogo, who ran 19.50 seconds. You have set a new standard of excellence and become an inspiration to many Africans. Congratulations once again, and may your journey be filled with continued success,” Fredricks’ post reads.

This was after his 200-metre record of 19.68 seconds, which he set on 1 August 1996 during the Atlanta Olympics, was slashed by the 20-year-old Batswana national.

Fredrick’s time, which he set when he was 29 years old, remains a Namibian national record.