Botswana is basking in national pride after Letsile Tebogo’s extraordinary achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the 21-year-old sprinting sensation won the gold medal in the 200 meters.
Tebogo’s victory, achieved with an African record time of 19.46 seconds, has not only marked a monumental moment for the nation but also made him the first African ever to win the 200m event at the Olympics.
In recognition of this historic feat, the government of Botswana has granted its citizens an afternoon off to celebrate. The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Emmah A. Peloetletse, the Permanent Secretary to the President of Botswana.
“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,” the statement read.
Tebogo’s win came after he placed sixth in the 100m final earlier in the week, and despite entering the 200m race with a personal best of 19.50 seconds, he exceeded expectations by claiming the gold medal. His victory over American Kenneth Bednarek, who finished second with a time of 19.62 seconds, has been hailed as a significant milestone for African athletics.
In the statement, President Masisi emphasized the importance of Tebogo’s achievement, not only for the individual but for the nation as a whole. He noted that the afternoon off was a fitting tribute to Tebogo’s outstanding performance and a moment that deserved to be commemorated by all Batswana.
