Botswana erupted in massive celebrations on Tuesday as sprinter Letsile Tebogo returned home with the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The capital, Gaborone, was alive with excitement as families, elders, and youths waved the national flag, welcoming the Olympic team. President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a half-day holiday to mark the occasion and joined in the celebrations, dancing on the airport tarmac as he awaited the athletes’ arrival.
Traditional dancers in animal skins and beads initiated the welcoming ceremony outside the airport. Later, President Masisi addressed over 20,000 attendees at the national stadium, celebrating Tebogo’s victory as a milestone for Botswana and Africa. The 21-year-old sprinter made history as the first African to win the men’s 200m in a record time of 19.46 seconds, outpacing competitors from the United States.
Tebogo’s achievements in Paris, which included a gold in the 200m and a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay, have raised Botswana’s total Olympic medal count to four. During the celebration, President Masisi encouraged the public to generously gift Tebogo and his teammates in recognition of their accomplishments.
The sports minister announced substantial rewards for the athletes, including two houses for Tebogo and one house each for the relay team members. Expressing his gratitude at the stadium, Tebogo thanked the nation for its support, especially during a personal challenging time following the loss of his mother in May.
Reflecting on his journey, Tebogo shared that he carried his mother’s inspiration with him to Paris, evidenced by his running shoes marked with her birthdate. This emotional tribute highlighted his deep connection to his late mother, who had been his driving force.
This victory not only signifies a personal triumph for Tebogo but also places Botswana on the global athletics map, contributing significantly to Africa’s rising prominence in the sprint events at the Olympics.
