In celebratory mode, Botswana has declared a national holiday after its men’s 4×400 metres relay team made history at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The southern African nation shocked the athletics world by becoming the first African country to win gold in the gruelling relay event.
In a thrilling, rain-soaked final, Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi produced a performance for the ages.
Their powerful finish denied the United States an 11th consecutive world title, while South Africa claimed bronze to complete the African glory.
President Duma Boko, addressing the nation online, described the achievement as a “historic African win” that would inspire generations to come.
He announced that Monday, September 29, will be observed as a public holiday, allowing citizens to celebrate before Independence Day festivities commence the following day.
The president, speaking from New York where he attended the UN General Assembly, called the victory “electric” and a triumph beyond sport.
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A rising force on the world stage
Boko proudly likened the runners to Botswana’s famous natural diamonds, saying they now shine as the nation’s true global treasures.
With two golds, one silver, and a bronze, the country finished fifth overall in the medal standings — its best performance ever.
Only the United States, Kenya, the Netherlands, and Canada ranked higher. This proves Botswana’s progress in global athletics is no fluke.
This historic gold comes barely a year after Letsile Tebogo captured Botswana’s first-ever Olympic title in the 200m in Paris.
That victory, also the first by an African in the event, stirred a nationwide celebration and sealed Tebogo’s status as a trailblazer.
The government then declared a half-day holiday which allowed citizens to honour him in a unique, unforgettable way at Gaborone’s National Stadium. Now, with another milestone reached, Botswana once again finds itself at the heart of Africa’s sporting story.
Tags: Botswana, Duma Boko, Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, national holiday, public holiday, #WorldChampionships2025, #UNGA, 4x400m.
