| Intro | Botswanan middle distance runner | ||||
| Is |
Runner Athlete Middle-distance runner |
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| From |
Botswana |
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| Type | Sports | ||||
| Gender | male | ||||
| Birth | 15 March 1994 | ||||
| Age: | 26 years | ||||
| Stats |
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Nijel Carlos Amilfitano Amos (born 15 March 1994) is a Botswana middle-distance runner who specializes in the 800 metres discipline. He won silver at the 2012 Summer Olympics, which was Botswana’s first ever Olympic medal.
Early life
Nijel Amos is from Marobela Village in the North Eastern part of Botswana. He went to Shangano Community Junior Secondary School (2007–2009) in Nshakashongwe and Tutume McConnell Community College (2010–2011).
Running career
At the 2011 African Junior Athletics Championships, Amos ran a Botswana Junior Record time of 1:47.28. Further improving on his record, Amos finished fifth in the 800 metres at the 2011 World Youth Championships in Athletics. In 2012 he improved his National Senior Record to 1:43.11 during a race in Mannheim. He became champion at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Athletics, finishing in a new championship record of 1:43.79. In the 2012 Summer Olympics, Amos won a silver medal in the men’s 800 m race, the first Olympic medal for his country. His time of 1:41.73 established a new World Junior Record behind the new World Record set by David Rudisha and is tied with Sebastian Coe for the third fastest individual ever.
After an injury filled 2013 season, Amos returned to form in 2014. At the 2014 Prefontaine Classic, Amos set a meet record and world leading time of 1:43.63. At the Herculis IAAF Diamond League, he again set a meet record and world leading mark of 1:42.45. Beating Rudisha for the 2nd time on the season, his performance was the fastest 800m race since the men’s 800 m race. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Amos won the 800 meter Gold medal in 1:45.18. In the tactical affair, Amos maneuvered out of a box to pass World Record holder David Rudisha in the last 50 meters.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Amos competed in the 800 m and the 4×400 relay. He finished 7th in his heat for the 800 m and did not qualify for the semifinals. The Botswana 4 × 400 m relay team finished 5th in the finals. Amos was the flag bearer for Botswana during the Parade of Nations.
He finished 5th in the 800m at the 2017 World Athletics Championships.