06 Nov 2023

 ‘Stand up School boy so that all Batswana in this House and at home may honour you with a standing ovation,” said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in Parliament yesterday.

His words were followed by a standing ovation and thunderous applause from MPs and guests who were in Parliament for the State-of-the-Nation Address.

Among other achievements, Letsile ‘Schoolboy’Tebogo became the first African to win a men’s 100 metres during the 2023 World Championships held in Budapest, Hungary in August this year.

He also won a bronze medal in the 200 metres and also became the first athlete in Botswana to snatch a medal in both 100 and 200 metres at the World Championships. He is the 200m 2022 African champion, becoming the youngest winner of the title in the competition’s history.

Just before the World Championships, Tebogo broke the 200m record set by Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks 27 years ago of 19.68 seconds and in turn set an African record at the London Diamond League meeting with a time of 19.50 seconds.

“We are where the world’s best athletes are - medal podiums,” added President Masisi.

Botswana, the President said, had become a formidable participant in sport on the global stage.

He said there was need for Batswana to continue to support the country’s brand ambassadors.

President Masisi said athletes in the likes of Letsile, Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos, Tumisang Orebonye and Ross Branch, had in their own right, raised Botswana’s flag in the sporting world and made sport in the country interesting and attractive, especially among youth.

On other issues, President Masisi said the completion of ongoing 10 community stadia will significantly contribute to grassroots sport development and formation of sport academies at community level. Ends