Botswana declares afternoon holiday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo's Olympic gold medal

Botswana has declared a national "afternoon day-off" on Friday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo's historic victory at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games.

Tebogo made history by winning the men’s 200m race, clocking 19.46 seconds to secure the first Olympic gold medal for Botswana. In a race where he was not the favourite, Tebogo stunned American sprinter Noah Lyles, who finished third with a time of 19.70 seconds. Kenny Bednarek, also from the United States, claimed the silver medal with a time of 19.62 seconds.

In a statement issued by Emma Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President, the decision to grant a national afternoon holiday was described as a fitting tribute to Tebogo, who is the first Motswana and the first African to win a gold medal in Olympic history.

“His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, hereby declares to the nation that he has found it appropriate to honour Letsile Tebogo, 'Botswana's Sensation,' by granting Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off on this day, Friday, August 9, 2024,” the statement read.

President Masisi recognised Tebogo’s outstanding achievement, calling it a moment deserving of national celebration. He expressed his admiration for Tebogo's performance, noting that it was a moment that would be remembered in the history of the Republic.

The President also took a moment to acknowledge Tebogo's late mother, to whom the sprinter paid tribute after the race by displaying his running shoe inscribed with her date of birth. Tebogo, who took a month off from training and competition following her death, said, "It's basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field. It gives me a lot of motivation. She's watching up there, and she's really, really happy. I didn't want to put the date of her death because I'd get emotional."

Reflecting on his victory, Tebogo added, "It was really a beautiful race for me. That's all I could've wished for. I'm happy I finished the race healthier than before.”