Farewell to the queen that raised an Olympic medalist
FRANCISTOWN: The nation has learnt with deep sorrow about the passing of Gakenaope Amos, the grandmother to 800m sprinter and Olympic silver medalist, Nijel Amos. Amos senior passed away on Tuesday.
Gakenaope, 89, is credited for her significant impact on the athlete’s personal and professional development. She raised and took care of Nijel in the dusty Chilindi Ward of Marobela Village after his mother passed away in 1999 when he was just five-years-old.
Nijel went on to be a global star after winning a silver medal in the London 2012 Olympic Games aged 18 after clocking a time of 1:41:73. In an interview with Mmegi, Nijel, who is undergoing training in Potchefstroom, South Africa, stated that he learnt of his grandmother’s passing an hour before he arrived home.
He spoke highly of his grandmother, saying she was a wonderful person who prayed and looked out for him through good and bad times.
He explained how he had admired her as a child because she was goal-oriented and focused in everything she did.
Nijel said he approached his career with the same mindset, understanding that one session at a time will eventually result in success.
Furthermore, he stated that his grandmother had taught him the value of following one’s passion in life, which had shaped his professional path.
Additionally, he also mentioned that his grandmother lost all nine of her children before she ascended to the heavens and that she was left to raise each of her nine grandchildren by herself with the same amount of love despite hardships and challenges.
“It was a challenging journey to witness, but she was a very strong, loving, and committed person who made everything easy for us.
“Growing up, I saw her love, tenacity, and faith in everything she did, especially for the family and siblings,” he added.
Nijel remarked that her warmth, charm, and bubbly nature were extraordinary and that they always made the family happy.
He added that it was her stunning smile that kept him going and that it was something he would always think back on when he was sprinting.
“With her, there was never a dull moment. “My favourite part, though, will be when she reminds me of my origins, my identity, and the reason behind my victory, which led to the birth of Nijel, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist,” added the athlete.
Finally, he said he would always love his grandmother and that her legacy will live on and be passed down to the following generation of Amos. The octogenarian would be laid to rest at Makaleng on Sunday.