New Delhi: The president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, announced a public holiday on Friday afternoon to commemorate their first ever Olympic gold medal. On Thursday, sprinter Letsile Tebogo stunned American ace Noah Lyles in the men’s 200m final to bag the historic gold for the African nation.
The 21-year-old Tebogo put on a expeditious lap to finish the sprint with an impressive 19.46s timing. The American duo of Kenny Bednarek (19.62s) and Lyles (19.70s) settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively. Tebogo set the African record to become the fifth-fastest man in the history over the half-lap.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi gave Botswana the afternoon off on Friday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s gold medal achievement. Masisi hailed the 21-year-old sprinter as “Botswana’s Sensation” after his outstanding performance on Thursday.
— Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi (@OfficialMasisi) August 9, 2024
“History made!” Masisi said on his X account. “My voice is completely gone thanks to the phenomenal #LetsileTebogo.”
Tebogo became the second athlete from Africa to win a medal in the 200m and first to bag gold. Former Namibian sprinter Frankie Fredericks won two silver medals in 200m at the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games.
The gold by the youngster is the third Olympic medal for Botswana after Nijel Amos’ silver in men’s 800m at the 2012 London Games and men’s 4x400m relay team’s bronze at 2020 Tokyo Games.
Letsile Tebogo pays tribute to late mother
Letsile Tebogo ran with spikes carrying his mother Seratiwa Tebogo’s initials and birthdate as a tribute to her, who passed away in May this year. The notes were patched on the right side of the right shoe and left side of the left shoe. The birthdate of Seratiwa Tebogo is December 23, 1980.
Letsile Tebogo, he did it for his mom, for his family, for Botswana and for all Africa 🇧🇼🌍 #Paris2024 #CloserToYourChampions pic.twitter.com/QP4IcArJI0
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 8, 2024
The president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, announced a public holiday on Friday afternoon to commemorate their first ever Olympic gold medal. On Thursday, sprinter Letsile Tebogo stunned American ace Noah Lyles in the men’s 200m final to bag the historic gold for the African nation. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
