Tebogo won Botswana's first-ever Olympic gold medal by finishing first in the men's 200-meter race on Thursday night. The 21-year-old also made history as the first African to win the 200-meter sprint at the Olympics.
"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 August, 2024," a statement from the Office of the President reads in part.
The Botswana Head of State noted that Tebogo's impressive performance deserves a special pause to recognize his triumph in a unique way.
"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 adds.
Tebogo delivered a stunning performance at the Paris Olympics despite being deeply affected by the death of his mother, his number one fan, in May.
President Masisi applauded Tebogo for the great victory and extended a special tribute to the athlete's late mother.
"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."
Tebogo's victory sent the world into a frenzy as he finished ahead of a talented field, including Americans Kenny Bednarek, Noah Lyles, and Erriyon Knighton.
Tebogo led from start to finish, winning in 19.46 seconds â€" the fourth-fastest time in history, but 0.15 seconds slower than Lyles' top time.
Tebogo dedicated his victory to his late mother. After the race, he held up his spikes to the cameras, revealing a message that displayed her date of birth, and dedicated his win to her.
"It's basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field," Tebogo told journalists.
"To take her with me, it gives me a lot of motivation. She's watching up there, and she's really, really happy."
Wycliffe Nyamasege
