History was made on Thursday, August 8th, when Botswana’s Olympian sprinter Letsile Tebogo, also known as ‘Schoolboy,’ won Botswana’s first-ever gold medal at the ongoing Paris Summer 2024 Olympics in France.

Tebogo finished first in the 200m with a time of 19.46 seconds, setting both a national and area record. This victory not only marks Botswana’s first gold medal in Olympic history but also makes Tebogo the first African athlete to win gold in the 200m at the Olympics.

Tebogo’s success stunned many, including American sprinter Noah Lyles, who was among the favorites and walked away with the bronze medal after finishing third.

The 21-year-old gold medalist also won a silver medal in the 100m at the 2023 World Championships, followed by a bronze in the 200m five days later. Tebogo had previously won the 100m and placed second in the 200m at both the 2021 and 2022 World Athletics Under 20 Championships.

Tebogo’s victory is especially poignant as a tribute to his mother, who passed away in May, just months before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Botswana’s President, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, congratulated Tebogo for making history, sharing the message on his social media platforms minutes after the race. “History made! BOTSWANA our very own, Letsile Tebogo has sprinted his way into the record books as the new men’s 200m Olympic champion, with an incredible performance, setting a blazing time of 19.46 and breaking the African Record!” President Masisi posted.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean athletes Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanaka Charamba put up a brave fight in the 200m final, finishing sixth and eighth, respectively. Although they didn’t win medals, they made history as the first Zimbabwean athletes to reach the men’s 200m track final at the Olympics.

Both Charamba and Makarawu have gained a number of fans from their home country and across the globe. Their supporters have urged them not to give up, as this was their first appearance in the Olympics, and they have a bright future ahead in representing Zimbabwe at the next Olympic Games in the USA.

“Did you see that Makarawu raced in 20.10, an improvement from 20.16 in the semis? He is one for the future. Lots of potential for a future medal there…” commented Yvonne Tendai Mangunda.