Over 30,000 people packed Botswana’s largest stadium to welcome home the 4x100m relay team and Letsile Tebogo, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
The 21-year-old sprinter returned to a hero’s reception after his historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he clinched gold in the 200-metre race.
Tebogo’s victory, achieved in an African record time of 19.46 seconds, saw him finish ahead of American runners Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles, who took silver and bronze respectively.
In recognition of the athletes’ success, President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a public holiday – the second in a week – to allow citizens to join in the celebrations.
The young athlete dedicated his gold medal to his late mother, Seratiwa, who died earlier this year.
Tebogo’s triumph marks a watershed moment for Botswana, a country of just over two million people. His success, along with other medal-winning teammates, has sparked nationwide jubilation and pride.
The grand reception at the stadium, attended by government officials and jubilant fans, underscores the significance of this Olympic success to the southern African nation.
Tebogo’s victory adds to Botswana’s growing reputation in athletics, following the success of 800-metre runner Nijel Amos, who won silver at the 2012 London Olympics.
