Frozen in time

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday August 19, 2024 06:00

Twisted branches come to life, illuminated by the soft, warm glow that reveals the silhouettes of acacia trees.

The sky, painted in delicate pinks and oranges, reflects in the tranquil eye of a grazing elephant. As the African world stirs, a bird’s sweet song breaks the quiet, nature’s melody broadcasting the serenity of a new day. Though I have often waxed lyrical about the astonishing beauty of an African sunset, I have not yet extolled the magnificence of its sunrise. Never have I felt more at peace than when welcoming a day on this transcendent soil. Evolution has imbued this land with an atmosphere of deep serenity, and nature, in its timeless and perpetual rhythm, has infused this tranquillity into the very essence of the African people.

Here, a coolness of thought and humility flourish, a legacy of harmony etched into the African genome. While Africa may be divided by borders, the African spirit transcends all boundaries. Across the continent, from the northern deserts to the southern plains, we are bound together as brothers and sisters, united in a shared essence that knows no restrictions. Nowhere else on this earth have I witnessed such a profound sense of unity.

Zen, the art of being present, may not have originated here, but it has found fertile ground in Africa’s soul. It is the stillness amidst chaos, a gentle release of control, allowing the natural flow of life to lead us toward a deeper connection with the world and ourselves. We had waited for this moment, every passing second fuelling the anticipation. Our collective heartbeats quickened as the announcer’s voice filled Stade de France. This was the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the City of Light, and the 200m men’s final was about to begin.

When the announcer introduced Noah Lyles, the 100m men’s gold medalist from the United States, he bounded across the track with infectious energy, wildly waving his arms. Later, it was revealed that Lyles had been diagnosed with Covid—a curious twist, given his exuberant display. He showed no signs of illness, leaving many to wonder why his condition hadn’t been announced prior to the race. Yet, his actions spoke volumes, loudly proclaiming his confidence in securing another gold in the 200m. And then, the moment our nation had long awaited arrived. As Letsile Tebogo’s name resonated through the stadium, 2.5 million Batswana felt their hearts swell with pride. His cool, calm demeanour commanded attention and admiration, a quiet force that could not be ignored. His determined expression embodied the Zen that thrives in African soil, deeply rooted and resilient. His gentle eyes took in the spectacle around him, reflecting both the serenity of focus and the strength of purpose.

As he prepared himself, clad in the sky blue, black, and white of Botswana, we saw more than just a racing kit. We saw the warm golden sun, the bright, ubiquitous smiles that light up our land, and the rhythmic dance of a security guard swaying to a melody only he can hear. There is no place in God’s universe like Africa. As the starter’s pistol cracked through the air, the world fell silent. He exploded from the blocks, a burst of strength and power so immediate and intense that his orange racing spikes became a blur. Each stride was a breathtaking display of athletic grace, his pumping arms and blinding speed composing a masterful ballet. His acceleration was astonishing, relentless, as if an African spirit ordained from above was propelling him forward. The rest of the field seemed frozen in time, mere spectators to the blue streak surging ahead, leaving nothing but awe in its wake.

As the finish line beckoned, the world seemed to bow, ready to pay homage. In that moment, Botswana’s history played out before our eyes—a nation that once stood amongst the poorest on earth, now a beacon of African progress and leadership.

His dominance on the track was so complete that there was no one left to cross the line with him. Bednarek and the once-boisterous Lyles were left in his wake, their challenge emphatically dismissed.

As he slowed at the end, he tapped his heart, a gesture acknowledging the relentless effort and spirit that fuelled his triumph. When he crossed the line, his finger pointed to the heavens, a tribute to Elizabeth Seratiwa, his mother, who tragically passed two months before her son conquered the world. The celebration was instant and electric as we collectively leaped into the sky, screaming and dancing, our tears of joy nourishing the sacred soil beneath our feet. And as the announcers mispronounced “Letsile Tebogo,” we barely noticed, because in our hearts, we heard only one word: “Greatness.” It echoed over and over again. In a coronation that unfolded in just 19.46 seconds, Letsile Tebogo rose to the throne as the humble, Zen-like conqueror of the sporting world. All hail King Tebogo!