AMAZING AMOS
Silver sensation returns to action in style
FLYING HIGH:
BOTSWANA’S silver sensation, Nijel Amos, showed no signs of rustiness this Saturday, kicking off the season in fine style to record the second fastest 400m time of his career.
Despite not having competed for nine months, the 27-year-old Marobela marvel proved his class at the Canyon Invitation meet in Pheonix, Arizona.
In a star-studded race, Amos clocked a time of 45.69 (0.7 seconds off his fastest ever 400m run) to finish a distant second behind Grenada’s Kirani James. The 28-year-old won 400m Gold at the 2012 London Olympics, which gives you an idea of the caliber of athletes the silver bullet was up against.
In a brief interview with Voice Sport from his American base, Amos said he surprised himself with how well he ran.
Currently in the middle of intense altitude training as he builds up towards the Tokyo Olympics in July, the 800m runner explained he entered the event to test his level of fitness.
“This race was part of my training, just to get the feel of the track. The results give me confidence and show I am moving in the right direction. Time was not really important but I am happy I registered my second best time in 400m. My body is responding well and I am ready for the 800m in the Doha Diamond Meet on the 28th of May.”
Nine years after winning
Botswana’s only ever Olympic medal, Amos is eying another podium finish in Japan.
Hampered by injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he failed to make the 800m semifinals, Amos has experienced incredible highs and devastating lows at the Games.
Hungry for more success, he told Voice Sport the mild weather in the US is ideal for his training.
The man with the third fastest 800m time in history further explained his busy schedule had ruled him out of Botswana’s team for this weekend’s World Relay Championships in Poland.
“This is a very important phase of training so I could not break and travel. The other thing is that the team selected is of the top six. I did not race during their selection so it was not going to be fair on other athletes. I have confidence in the team, they will bring the medal and qualify for the Olympics,” Amos predicted confidently.