Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo etched his name in the history books on Thursday by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Following this remarkable achievement, the President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, declared Friday a national holiday to celebrate the victory of the Motswana athlete.

Also, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Culture, Mr Tumiso M. Ragkare, announced in Parliament that Tebogo will receive multiple rewards for his outstanding performance.

Among these rewards are a four-bedroom house in a location of his choice within Botswana and 250,000 pula (approximately $20,000) for winning gold in the men’s 200m final.

Additionally, having clocked a time of 19.46 seconds—a new national and African record in the event—Tebogo will receive 50,000 pula (around $3,600) for being the fastest man in the 200m event on the continent.

“In recognition of this exceptional performance, Letsile is entitled to receive, among other things, from the Government of Botswana: P250,000.00 (about $20,000) for winning a gold medal; P25,000.00 (about $2,000) for a top-eight finish in the 100m race; and P50,000.00 (about $3,600) for setting an African record in the 200m,” the Minister stated.

He further added that Tebogo would be provided with a housing unit in a location of his choice in Botswana for his podium finish.

The statement also highlighted that Tebogo has won P1,000,000.00 (about $75,000) and P2,500.00 (about $200) worth of groceries for 12 months from Choppies.

Apparently, all the athletes from Botswana who qualified for the Olympics received financial packages, including a monthly stipend.

Tebogo’s package included a P30,000.00 (about $2,500) qualification bonus, an P8,333.33 (around $615) monthly upkeep stipend since his qualification, and a P5,000.00 (about $40) appearance fee, all of which have already been paid.

The 21-year-old already received an honourable reward of a national holiday in his name, and could potentially receive additional cash rewards from various institutions amounting to around $260,000.

Furthermore, he will be granted a second house if he helps Botswana secure a podium finish in the 4x400m relay at the ongoing Games.

On Thursday, Tebogo dedicated his 200m victory to his late mother, Seratiwa, who passed away in May due to illness.

After the race, he paid tribute to her by holding up his shoe to the camera, which bore his mother’s birthdate.

Additionally, he had her initials painted on his nails. Minister Rakgare reflected on this touching gesture, stating: “I do not know if I should say it is strange or interesting that Mme Seratiwa Tebogo, the departed mother of our hero, the new African record holder, and indeed the Olympic champion, was born in 1980, the year of our first participation in the Olympic Games.

"Since then, and until her untimely departure a few months ago, Botswana had never won an Olympic gold medal, and now, in the year of her passing, her son has gifted us one. May her soul continue to rest in peace.”

Tebogo recently opened up about his mother’s death, admitting that he tries not to dwell on it too much, despite the profound impact it has had on him.

“I always think about her, but I just try not to let it get to me that much and then just block it out and move forward,” he said as quoted by USA Today.

“I believe there is a medal in these legs, and it only needs determination and the willpower to do it.”

He added, “I’ve had such a huge blow that affected me deeply, so I’m still trying to regain my confidence. It’s not about injuries; it’s all about my mum.”

The Motswana stunned pre-race favourite, Noah Lyles, who finished third with a time of 19.70s. Second place was claimed by American Kenny Bednarek, who clocked 19.62s.

With this win, Tebogo became the first African to win the 200m final at the Olympic Games.

In 2023, Tebogo became the first African to win a medal in the 100m dash at the 2023 World Championships when he won silver.