The government of Botswana has declared afternoon half-day off today (Friday) to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s historic gold medal in the men’s 200m at the Paris Olympics.

“The decision has been duly made to recognise and honour Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics” a presidential statement reads.

Tebogo, 21, stormed to victory against the world’s expectations, beating a star studded line-up, consisting of the 100m champion Noah Lyles of the USA to clinch the coveted gold.

In doing so, Tebogo inked history as the first Motswana to win a gold medal at the Summer Games and the first African to do so.

“Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation 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,” the statement continues.

 

Tebogo headed to Paris against the backdrop of losing his mother Seratiwa Tebogo in May. “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.”

In his post match interview, Letsile declared that every stride he made was in her honor. “It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field,” he said. “She’s watching up there, and she’s really, really happy.”

Tebogo won his country’s first ever Olympic gold, setting a new African record of 19.46 seconds. Kenny Bednarek took silver, while 100m champion Noah Lyles finished third as US Track & Field confirmed he had been suffering from Covid.