The victory marks a momentous occasion for the nation, as the relay team became the first African country to ever win the event. In a thrilling, rain-soaked final, the quartet of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi outran a dominant United States team to clinch the top spot on the podium.
Speaking from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, President Duma Boko hailed the athletes as national heroes. He declared the holiday as a tribute to their success, stating, "Botswana's natural diamonds are not just in the ground, they are our World Champion Athletes!"
The decision to declare a public holiday ahead of the country's Independence Day on September 30 reflects the immense pride and joy the win has brought to the nation. This celebration follows a similar one last year when a half-day holiday was declared to celebrate Letsile Tebogo's historic 200m Olympic gold.