Botswana has announced a national “afternoon day-off” on Friday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s historic achievement at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games.
Tebogo shocked the athletics world by defeating Noah Lyles of the United States, who was heavily favored to win the men’s 200m race. Tebogo clocked an impressive 19.46 seconds, securing the first Olympic gold medal for his nation. Kenny Bednarek, also from the U.S., took silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, while Lyles settled for bronze with 19.70 seconds.
A statement from the Permanent Secretary of the President, Emma Peloetletse, announced that the day-off was declared in recognition of Tebogo’s remarkable feat. Tebogo is not only the first Motswana but also the first African to win a gold medal in the history of the Olympics.
“His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, hereby declares to the nation that he has found it a fitting tribute to Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation,’ to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off on this very day, Friday, August 9, 2024,” the statement read.
President Masisi emphasized the significance of Tebogo’s performance and the pride it brings to the nation. He described Tebogo’s achievement as outstanding, deserving of national celebration, and something that will be remembered in the history of the Republic.
“Accordingly, His Excellency President Masisi wishes to state that, on behalf of all of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother,” the statement continued.
After his victory, Tebogo honored his late mother, Seratiwa, by displaying his running shoe inscribed with her date of birth. In an interview, the sprinter explained, “It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field,” referring to the month he took off from training and competition following her passing.
