Government Declares Public Holiday

The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday declared a public holiday in honour of Letsile Tebogo, who won the country’s first-ever Olympics gold medal in the 200m.

A statement signed by Permanent Secretary to the President, Emmah A. Peloetletse said the afternoon day-off recognises Letsile’s status as the first Motswana and African to win a gold medal in the 200m Olympics.

Government Declares Public Holiday

“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, President Masisi wishes to state that on behalf of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother,” the statement reads in part.

Letsile clocked an African record of 19.46 seconds to clinch gold at the Stade de France in Paris on Thursday.

USA’s Kenneth Bednarek, who clocked 19.62 seconds, was first runner-up.

Pre-race favourite and 100m winner, Noah Lyles also of the USA ran 19.70 seconds to emerge second runner-up.