Botswana Declares Public Holiday to Celebrate Letsile Tebogo's Historic Olympic Gold

Botswana is in celebration mode as President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared Friday afternoon a public holiday to honor the nation’s newest sporting hero, Letsile Tebogo. Tebogo made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Motswana and the first African to win a gold medal in the 200 meters.

Tebogo's stunning performance saw him cross the finish line in 19.46 seconds, not only clinching the gold but also setting a new national and African record in the event. His victory was particularly notable as he outpaced the pre-games favorite, Noah Lyles, who had been unbeaten in the 200 meters since the Tokyo Olympics. Lyles finished third in the final with a time of 19.70 seconds, the fastest ever recorded for a bronze medalist in the 200 meters.

In a press release issued by the Office of the President, the significance of Tebogo's achievement on the global stage was emphasized, marking a moment of immense pride for both Botswana and the entire African continent. President Masisi highlighted that Tebogo’s victory is not only a monumental moment for Botswana but also a defining achievement for Africa, meriting national recognition and celebration.

"This decision honors Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and the first African to win a gold medal in the 200 meters in Olympic history. His performance is outstanding and worthy of the nation pausing to celebrate him in a unique, appropriate, and responsible manner that will be etched in the annals of the Republic’s history," a portion of the statement reads.

President Masisi also expressed his deep pride and gratitude on behalf of all Batswana. He commended Tebogo for his unwavering dedication and perseverance, which led to this historic win. The President also extended his thanks to Tebogo’s late mother, Seratiwa, acknowledging her significant role in shaping the athlete’s journey. Tebogo's victory was deeply personal, as he dedicated his win to his mother, who passed away in May. In a poignant tribute, Tebogo displayed her birth date on his shoe during the race, adding an emotional layer to his historic achievement.

Letsile Tebogo's triumph in the men’s 200 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics has now placed him fifth on the all-time world list for the event. His victory, against a formidable field that included reigning 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles and silver medalist Kenny Bednarek from the United States, has cemented his place in the annals of athletics history.

Bednarek claimed the silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, while Lyles took the bronze. Tebogo’s win in both the semifinals and the final against Lyles marked the first defeat for the American sprinter in 26 races since the Tokyo Olympics.

As Botswana celebrates this historic achievement, the nation comes together to honor a young athlete whose remarkable journey and dedication have brought immense pride to the country. The public holiday declared by President Masisi is a testament to the significance of Tebogo's accomplishment and the lasting impact it will have on Botswana and the broader African sporting community.