Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has given all workers Friday afternoon off following the stunning win by athlete Letsile Tebogo in the 200m final in the Olympics.
Tebogo stormed to a win on Thursday night at the Stade de France, becoming the first African to do so.
His time of 19.46 seconds ensured that he beat Kenny Bednarek (19.62s) and favourite Noah Lyles (19.70s) to the Gold medal.
On Friday morning, all Batswana were asked to close early from work as a result of Tebogo’s stunning performance.
“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 issued by the Permanent Secretary to the President said.
“Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of a nation to pause and celebrate him in the most unique, appropriate and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of history of the Republic.”
Tebogo was on the tracks on Friday morning as he led his nation to qualify to the 4x400m final.
His rival, Lyles, had withdrawn from further participating in the Games due to his ill-health.
