Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared Friday afternoon a public holiday to celebrate the country’s first Olympic gold medal, won by sprinter Letsile Tebogo at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Letsile Tebogo, 21, won the men’s 200m sprint on Thursday, becoming the first Botswanan to claim gold at the Games.
The sprinter triumphed over US rivals Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles, clocking 19.46 seconds to become the fifth-fastest man in history over the distance.
President Masisi announced the half-day holiday on social media, saying Tebogo’s achievement deserved “the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate and responsible manner”.
In a poignant tribute, the athlete ran wearing spikes bearing his late mother’s date of birth. She passed away in May.
“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 read.
The president admitted his voice was “completely gone” from cheering whilst watching the race on television as he watched Tebogo storm to the win in 19.46 seconds.
Tebogo’s victory also marks the first time an African has won Olympic gold in the 200m.
The 21-year-old ran in spikes bearing his mother’s date of birth, saying he carried her with him, in a tribute after she passed away in May.
The public holiday will take place on Friday, 9 August 2024, allowing Botswanans to celebrate their new national hero’s historic achievement.
