Botswana Declares Half Holiday after Historic Olympic

The President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a half holiday on Friday for all citizens and residents after Letsile Tebogo chalked continental and national record in Olympic history at the ongoing edition in Paris.

In a statement, he said the decision was to “recognise and honour” Letsile Tebogo for the glory he has brought the whole of Africa.

“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. 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 President also immortalized the memory of the athlete’s deceased mother who was his inspiration.

Letsile on July 8, 2024, dimmed America’s Noah Lyles and Kenneth Bednarek’s shines at the Olympic as they both coveted the gold medal in the 200m men’s final.

He finished in 19.46 seconds in the 200m men’s final to win Botswana’s first ever Olympic gold as well as Africa’s first in that category.

Speaking at the end of the race, the athlete expressed his joy and dedicated it to his mother who died earlier this year.

“It means a lot to the African continent because now they see Africa as a sprinting home, so we just had to make sure that the message is loud and clear,” Tebogo said.

“It was really a beautiful race for me. When we made it to the final, my coach just told me, now my job is done, it’s up to you to see what you can do. Whether it’s a medal or not, just finish the race healthy. That’s all I could’ve wished for. I’m happy I finished the race healthier than before.”