Botswana has declared Tuesday afternoon a national holiday in honor of sprinter Letsile Tebogo, who made history by winning the men’s 200m gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is the first time a sprinter from Botswana has achieved this remarkable feat. Tebogo, at the young age of 21, became the first African to conquer the 200m race, setting a new African record time of 19.46 seconds as he outpaced American competitors Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles. His victory, along with a silver medal secured by the men’s 4x400m relay team, boosted Botswana’s total Olympic medal count to four.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi had already announced a half-day holiday on August 9th to celebrate Tebogo’s triumph. Now, with the entire Olympic team returning to Botswana on Tuesday, President Masisi will personally greet them at the airport, as stated in a government announcement.
Tebogo’s achievement is especially significant as he is only the second African athlete to win an Olympic medal in the men’s 200m. Namibian Frankie Fredericks took silver in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Botswana’s history with Olympic success began in 2012 when Nijel Amos won silver in the 800m at the London Games. The men’s 4x400m relay team then secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This historic victory for Botswana is a testament to the nation’s dedication to athletic excellence and a source of national pride. Letsile Tebogo’s name is now etched in Olympic history, inspiring future generations of athletes in Botswana and across Africa.
