By Michael Madyira
Botswana enjoyed a free afternoon on Friday after the country’s president declared a half-day holiday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s Olympic triumph.
Tebogo cruised to victory in the 200 metre final in Paris on Thursday to become the first African to claim gold in this distance.
It was a remarkable sprint by Tebogo who outran the USA duo of Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles.
The 21-year-old’s 19.46 time broke the African record as he also became the fifth-fastest man in the history of this event to send Botswana into celebratory mode.
“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,” read a statement from the office of the Botswana president.
“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.”
Tebogo had his mother’s name inscribed on his spikes in honour of her after 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,” President Masisi added.
Tebogo’s triumph was Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in any sport.
Pictured above: Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo winning the 200m Olympics final race
Image source: The Olympic Games
