Botswana Declares Half-Day Holiday to Honor First Olympic Gold Win by Letsile Tebogo

Botswana Declares Half-Day Holiday to Honor First Olympic Gold Win by Letsile Tebogo

Botswana has declared a half-day public holiday in celebration of its historic first Olympic gold medal, achieved by athlete Letsile Tebogo. The 21-year-old sprinted to victory in the men’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, clocking in at an impressive 19.46 seconds on Thursday.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced the decision, describing it as a tribute to Tebogo, who has become a national hero and the first African to ever win gold in the 200m event in Olympic history. “Botswana’s Sensation,” as Tebogo is now affectionately called, has brought immense pride to the nation.

Emmah Peloetletse, the Permanent Secretary to the President, confirmed the holiday in a statement released on Friday. She emphasized that Tebogo’s remarkable achievement deserved to be celebrated in a unique and memorable way that will be etched in the country’s history.

This gold medal marks a significant milestone for Botswana, following its first-ever Olympic medal—a silver won by Nigel Amos in the 800m at the 2012 London Olympics—and a bronze by the men’s 4×400 relay team at the Tokyo 2020 Games.