CHASING GOLD: Amos gets the better of Pecanha in London

AMOS OFF TO USA AFTER OLYMPICS
The youngest member of team Botswana Nijel ‘Zoro’ Amos has revealed to Voice Sport that after the Olympics he will be leaving for the United States of America where he has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime.
The 18-year-old who on Thursday held the nations hope of a historic Olympic medal, was supposed to leave for Spain’s University of Alicante after the games but interest from Florida has left his options wide open.

“Competing in the Olympics has opened doors for me – I received a message from Florida in the US. They want me to study there and I too want to go there. For now I have been admitted at the University of Alicante in Spain to start my first year, but I will change to the States,” he said.
The World Junior Athletics Champion faced stiff competition from East African runners in the 800 metres final that included World Record holder David Rudisha and Sudanese runner Abubaker Kakhi.

Amos had the second highest time (1:43:11) in the semi-final not far off Rudisha’s world record of 1:41:01 – a man he calls his mentor. Botswana’s youngest team member at the summer games announced his presence on the world stage with a resounding victory in the World Junior Athletics Championship in Barcelona, winning the country’s first gold medal in the games with an impressive time of 1:43:79.  Speaking to Voice Sport after he qualified for the finals on Tuesday Amos said the competition was tough as the heat winner Kaki is the World Junior record holder.
“I came here with one thing on my mind. I wanted to reach the final where I know anything can happen. If I mange to win a medal, it will be a real bonus for me. This race is going to be tough because all of us ran under 1:45 minutes.

“It is every athlete’s dream to win but the race can go any way. I will try my level best to get a medal – what I need is the support from home. A lot of people are going to be surprised, watch the space,” said Amos.
The Marobela born athlete said if he wins a medal he will dedicate his success to his late grandmother who raised him to become a responsible young man. BNOC CEO Serufho said he was confident that the runner would scoop a medal due to his commitment and dedication.
“Amos has done very well so far, and reaching the finals was his ultimate dream. He will make a name for himself after these competitions. We will make sure he gets a scholarship at a High Performance Centre,” Serufho said on Wednesday.

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