Botswana has declared a public holiday in honour of its men’s 4×400 metres relay team who won historic gold medal at the World Athletics Championships (WAC) in Tokyo, Japan.
This milestone marked the first time an African nation has clinched gold in the event.
In a virtual address from New York, where he was attending the ongoing UN General Assembly, President Duma Boko celebrated the achievement as a “historic African win.”
He announced that Monday, 29 September, will be designated as a national holiday, coinciding with the eve of the country’s Independence Day.
During a dramatic final held in rainy conditions, Botswana’s quartet consisting Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi surprised the reigning champions, the United States, who had won the last ten world titles to clinch gold as South Africa secured third place in the event.
“I’ll be sure to tell everyone that Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just found in the ground; they are our World Champion athletes,” President Boko declared.
He described the victory as “electric” and a testament to Botswana’s rising profile on the international sports scene.
In total, Botswana secured fifth place in the overall medal standings at the championships, achieving its best performance to date, with two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
