Botswana has declared a public holiday to mark the nation’s historic triumph in the men’s 4×400 metres relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the first African country ever to win the event.
President Duma Boko hailed the gold medal as a “historic African win”, praising the team for their remarkable performance. In an address delivered online from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, Boko announced that Monday, 29 September, would be a public holiday. The date falls just one day before the country celebrates its Independence Day.
On Sunday, Botswana’s relay team—comprising Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi—defied the odds to edge out the United States, who had dominated the event with 10 consecutive world titles. South Africa secured the bronze medal in a dramatic race run under heavy rain.
“I’ll be sure to tell everyone, Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just in the ground—they are our World Champion athletes,” President Boko declared. He described the victory as “electric”, noting that it reflected Botswana’s rising stature on the global sporting stage.
The southern African nation finished fifth overall in the championship medal standings, behind the US, Kenya, the Netherlands and Canada. Botswana’s haul of two golds, one silver and a bronze marked the country’s best-ever performance at the competition.
This achievement builds on a growing legacy of sporting excellence. Just last year, sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo delivered Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal by winning the men’s 200m in Paris. His victory also made him the first African athlete to claim the title, sparking nationwide celebrations. Tens of thousands gathered at Gaborone’s National Stadium to welcome him home, with the government declaring a half-day holiday in his honour.
With its latest world title, Botswana has further cemented its place as a rising force in global athletics—one whose achievements continue to inspire pride across Africa.
