Botswana declares public holiday after historic 4x400m relay gold at World Championships
Nation celebrates first African win in the event as public holiday is set ahead of independence day
Botswana will observe a public holiday on Monday, Sept. 29, to celebrate the country's first World Athletics Championships gold in the men's 4x400 meters relay, won at the championships in Tokyo. The Botswana team of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi edged the United States—longtime winners who had claimed the event in 10 previous world titles—on a rain-soaked track. South Africa finished third.
President Duma Boko announced the holiday in a New York address to the United Nations General Assembly, describing the win as a historic African achievement and signaling that the country would mark Sept. 29 as a national holiday ahead of independence day.
Botswana's medal haul at the meet also marked the nation's best ever at the World Championships, finishing fifth in the standings with two golds, one silver and one bronze, behind the United States, Kenya, the Netherlands and Canada.
Earlier, Tebogo had sparked national celebrations when he won Botswana’s first Olympic gold in Paris last year, in the men’s 200 meters. Following that triumph, tens of thousands gathered at the National Stadium in Gaborone to celebrate. The government then declared a half-day holiday to honor Tebogo, a gesture described by then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi as a milestone that would be etched in the country’s history.
Analysts pointed to the relay victory as part of Botswana’s rising profile in world athletics, reflecting sustained investment in youth programs and training infrastructure. The win highlighted Africa’s growing presence in the sport, with teams across the continent making strides in sprinting and relay events. The rain-drenched final tested endurance and strategy as Botswana’s quartet held off a late push by the United States for the title.
Independence Day in Botswana is Sept. 30. By designating Sept. 29 as a public holiday, the government linked sporting success to the national calendar, underscoring the importance of athletics to the country’s national pride. The team’s victory has produced a wave of celebrations and is likely to influence youth participation in track and field in the coming years.