Botswana has announced that on Friday, August 9, there would be a national afternoon ‘day-off’ in celebration of Letsile Tebogo who won a gold medal in the ongoing Paris Olympic games.
In the historic turn of events, Tebogo trounced U.S athletes Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek in the men’s 200m race, winning by clocking 19.46 sec and clinching the first gold for his nation.
Bednarek claimed second place with a silver medal, finishing with a time of 19.62 seconds, while Lyles, who had been hailed as the man to beat, took home the bronze with a time of 19.70 seconds.
Botswana’s Permanent Secretary of the President Emma Peloetletse released a statement noting that the public holiday was approved since Tebogo is the first Motswana and the first African to win the gold medal in the 200m race 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,” the statement reads in part.
Secretary Peloetletse noted that the President was impressed with the exceptional accomplishments of Lestisle, emphasizing the significance of commemorating these achievements in a manner befitting their impact.
“The President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Lestisle’s achievement as markedly 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,” it continued.
President Masisi also expressed his gratitude to Letsile’s late mother on behalf of Botswana citizenry as she played a big role in inspiring the athlete before and after her demise.
“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 read.
After finishing the race, Tebogo was overwhelmed with emotions as he 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 stated in a interview. He revealed that he had taken a month off training and competition after her death and hence wanted to make her proud.
“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”.
