Botswana Unveils Banknote Honoring Olympic Champion Tebogo, Relay Medalists

Botswana has honored its first Olympic gold medalist, sprinter Letsile Tebogo, by featuring him and the men’s 4x400m relay team on the new 50 pula banknote. The announcement was made during the Bank of Botswana's 50th anniversary celebrations, replacing the image of the country’s founding president. Tebogo won gold in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics and anchored the relay team to a silver medal with a historic 43.04-second split, the second-fastest in history. The relay teammates Bayapo Ndori, Busang Kebinatshipi, and Anthony Pesela are also depicted on the note. Tebogo, celebrated nationally with a dedicated holiday and a massive homecoming parade, is currently competing in the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This tribute highlights Botswana's pride in its athletic achievements and positions Tebogo as a national icon.