Botswana is filled with joy and pride following Letsile Tebogo’s remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 21-year-old sprinter won the gold medal in the 200 meters, setting an African record time of 19.46 seconds. This victory makes Tebogo the first African ever to win the 200m event at the Olympics, a historic milestone for the continent.
In recognition of this accomplishment, the government of Botswana granted its citizens an afternoon off to celebrate.
“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation’, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th August, 2024,” the statement read.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced the decision as a tribute to Tebogo’s outstanding performance, which he described as a moment of national pride.
“The decision has been duly made to recognise and honour Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics.
“Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic,” the statement added.
Tebogo’s gold medal came after he placed sixth in the 100m final earlier in the week. Despite entering the 200m race with a personal best of 19.50 seconds, he exceeded expectations by defeating American sprinter Kenneth Bednarek, who finished second.
Tebogo’s win is being hailed as a significant moment for African athletics.
As the nation celebrates, Tebogo’s triumph is recognised as not just a victory for Botswana, but for African sport as a whole.