Botswana has announced a national “afternoon day-off” on Friday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s historic achievement at the ongoing Paris Olympic games.
Tebogo stunned Noah Lyles of the US who was touted to win the men’s 200m race by clocking 19:46 sec to register the first gold for his nation.
Kenny Bednarek, also from the US, settled for a silver after recording 19:62 sec against 19:70 sec of Lyles who took bronze.
A statement issued by Permanent Secretary of the President Emma Peloetletse states that the decision has been made since Tebogo is the first Motswana and the first African to win the gold medal in the history of Olympics.
“His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Letsile Tebogo, “Botswana’s Sensation”, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday, August 9, 2024,” it reads in part.
The President, Emma added, underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement.
She termed Tebogo’s achievement as outstanding and deserving of the nation hence the need 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.
“Accordingly, 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,” it further reads.
After finishing the race, Tebogo displayed his running shoe bearing his mother, the late Seratiwa’s date of birth.
“It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field,” the sprinter, who took a month off training and competition after her death said in an interview.
“It gives me a lot of motivation. She’s watching up there, and she’s really, really happy. I didn’t want to put the date of her death, because I’ll get emotional.”
Tebogo added: “It was really a beautiful race for me. That’s all I could’ve wished for. I’m happy I finished the race healthier than before”.
