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Botswana declares afternoon off to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s historic 200m Olympic gold
Botswana is basking in national pride after Letsile Tebogo's extraordinary achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the 21-year-old sprinting sensation won the gold medal in the 200 meters.
Tebogo's victory, achieved with an African record time of 19.46 seconds, has not only marked a monumental moment for the nation but also made him the first African ever to win the 200m event at the Olympics.
In recognition of this historic feat, the government of Botswana has granted its citizens an afternoon off to celebrate. The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Emmah A. Peloetletse, the Permanent Secretary to the President of Botswana.
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10:30 - 09.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo: The bumper rewards that await Botswana’s first ever Olympics gold medallist
Botswana sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo is set to pocket a life-changing amount from his country and World Athletics after making history by stunning Noah Lyles to win Olympics gold.
“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 August, 2024,” the statement read.
Tebogo's win came after he placed sixth in the 100m final earlier in the week, and despite entering the 200m race with a personal best of 19.50 seconds, he exceeded expectations by claiming the gold medal. His victory over American Kenneth Bednarek, who finished second with a time of 19.62 seconds, has been hailed as a significant milestone for African athletics.
In the statement, President Masisi emphasized the importance of Tebogo's achievement, not only for the individual but for the nation as a whole. He noted that the afternoon off was a fitting tribute to Tebogo's outstanding performance and a moment that deserved to be commemorated by all Batswana.
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09:16 - 09.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo invites trouble after saying 'arrogant' Noah Lyles should be the face of athletics
Letsile Tebogo's historic Olympic 200m victory sparks debate as he labels Noah Lyles "arrogant" and calls him the face of athletics.
“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 continued.
“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.”
President Masisi also expressed his personal admiration and gratitude for Tebogo, acknowledging the late mother of the young athlete, who he credits for her role in Tebogo's success. “On behalf of all of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother,” the statement concluded.
As Botswana celebrates this historic achievement, the nation takes pride in Tebogo’s triumph, which will be remembered as a landmark moment not just for the country, but for African sport as a whole.
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07:51 - 09.08.2024
'World champion of what?' - Fans brutally troll Noah Lyles after he misses out on Olympic 200m title to Letsile Tebogo
Lyles, an overwhelming favorite before the race, ended up settling for bronze, having arrogantly stated no one would beat him before the race, and the fans have reacted to his performance.
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