Botswana has declared a special public holiday to honour its men’s 4×400 metres relay team after their groundbreaking triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, a victory that makes them the first African country to win the event.
President Duma Boko, in an online address, described the gold medal as a “historic African win”, commending the quartet for their exceptional performance.
He further announced that Monday, 29 September, will be observed as a holiday, coinciding with the eve of Botswana’s independence day celebrations.
In Sunday’s dramatic final, Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi upset the odds, defeating the United States, who had dominated the previous 10 world titles, in a rain-soaked contest. South Africa secured the bronze.
“I’ll be sure to tell everyone, Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just in the ground, they are our World Champion athletes,” said the president, speaking from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly.
He went on to describe the victory as “electric”, noting it showcased the nation’s growing influence on the world stage.
Botswana ended the championships ranked fifth on the medal table, behind the US, Kenya, the Netherlands and Canada, recording their best finish ever with two golds, a silver and a bronze.
This latest milestone follows another historic feat last year when rising star Tebogo became the country’s first Olympic champion, storming to victory in the men’s 200m in Paris.
His achievement also marked the first time an African sprinter had taken gold in the event.
The win sparked national jubilation, with tens of thousands welcoming him home at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
Then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a half-day holiday for citizens to join in the celebrations, calling it a “most unique… manner that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic”.
