BOTSWANA’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has honoured the country’s pioneer Olympics Gold medalist in 200 metres, Letsile Tebogo, with a public holiday to celebrate his victory.

Masisi, in a press statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, declared an afternoon day off today, August 9, 2024, to honour Tebogo as the first Motswana and African to win a Gold medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics.

“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation’, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th of August, 2024.

“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,” the statement read in parts.

The President also noted that the performance by Tebogo was worthy of celebration in a unique way and would be etched in the country’s history.

“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.

“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. A pula e lo nele ka masubelele, Batswana!”, he added.

Tebogo set the record for Africa by winning the gold medal and crossing the finishing line in 19.46 seconds. Placing second and winning the silver medal is Kenneth Bednarek of the United States in 19.62 seconds while Noah Lyles, also representing the US, finished third place with a bronze medal in a time of 19.70 seconds.