Botswana wins 1st-ever gold at Olympics, sets record for Africa

LUSAKA, Zambia

Letsile Tebogo sprinted his way into the record books as men’s 200m Olympics champion, minting Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

Tebogo’s time of 19.46 also set a new African record.

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi said the victory was a proud moment for Botswana.

“Your victory has inspired a nation and solidified your place among the world’s greatest athletes,” Masisi wrote on X.

Tebogo is the first African to win the 200m and first Botswanan to bring home gold at the Olympics.

Botswana's first EVER Olympic gold, and it's in the men's 200m. 🥹🇧🇼 pic.twitter.com/sbwsrAuSk6

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 8, 2024

His victory came one day after Muzala Samukonga from neighboring Zambia won bronze in the 400m.

“By competing against the world's finest athletes in the most esteemed global sporting event, Muzala has elevated our national flag and brought immense pride to his motherland,” Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema wrote on Facebook.