African president gives citizens afternoon day-off to celebrate first gold in Paris Olympics

 

• Twenty-one-year-old Letshile Tebogo edged over the stars on the track to win the men's 200 metres final in the Paris Olympics
• The Botswana native was celebrated both internationally and at home, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi declaring a Friday half-day holiday to celebrate his feat
• Tebogo dedicated the gold medal to his late mother, Seratiwa Tebogo, who died in May 2024 after a short illness

Eli Odaga, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Gaborone - President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana declared a day off Friday afternoon, August 9, to celebrate the fete by countryman Letsile Tebogo, who won the men's 200 metres final in the Paris Olympics.

The 21-year-old edged over renowned stars -American race-favourite Noah Lyles included- to

 become the new 200m champion.