Botswana is celebrating a historic achievement as President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi declared Friday afternoon a public holiday in honour of 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 metres.
He stunned pre-games favourite, Noah Lyles, crossing the finish line at 19.46s, which was not just a national record, but also an African record in the event.
The Office of the President issued a press release announcing the public holiday, emphasising the significance of Tebogo’s achievement on the global stage.
President Masisi highlighted that Tebogo’s victory is not only a monumental moment for Botswana but also for the entire African continent, deserving of national recognition and celebration.
“This decision honours Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and the first African to win a gold medal in the 200 metres 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,” portion of the statement reads.
President Masisi also expressed his immense pride and gratitude on behalf of all Batswana.
He commended Tebogo for his dedication and perseverance, and also extended thanks to Tebogo’s late mother, acknowledging her significant role in shaping the athlete’s journey.
Letsile Tebogo’s historic victory in the men’s 200 metres at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a remarkable feat. He finished the race in 19.46s, setting a new African record and positioning himself fifth on the all-time world list for the event.
In a thrilling final, Tebogo outpaced a strong field, including reigning 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles and silver medalist Kenny Bednarek from the United States. Bednarek claimed the silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, while Lyles took the bronze in 19.70 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded for a third-place finisher in the 200 metres final.
Lyles, who had been undefeated in 26 races since the Tokyo Olympics, suffered his first loss in Paris, with Tebogo also defeating him in the semifinals.
Tebogo’s victory was particularly poignant as he dedicated his win to his late mother, Seratiwa, who passed away in May. He honoured her memory by displaying her birth date on his shoe during the race, adding an emotional layer to his historic achievement.
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