08 Jul 2015

The saying ‘when two bulls fight it is the grass that suffers’ will become a reality on Thursday, July 7 when Olympic 800m silver medalist Nijel ‘Zoro’ Amos renews his rivalry with Kenya’s David Rudisha and Mohammad Aman from Ethiopia in the Diamond League. 

Switzerland’s Lausanne rubber track is expected to be on fire when Zoro, who is recovering from an injury, takes on some of the world’s finest ever after ending the Diamond League circuit on a high note when he finished first at Birmingham last month.

Since the start of this season, he has not faced stiff completion, and, this time around, fireworks are anticipated at the Lausanne meet, looking at the provisional starting list which is made of 800m crème-dela-crème.

Nijel is the favourite to win the race although he was outclassed by Aman in Eugene and Rome.

The Marobela born has always put more effort in the race whenever he cames face-to-face with Rudisha; he still has a score to settle with Rudisha after he lost to him at the 2012 Olympics. 

It seems every time the local lad sees Rudisha in the line-up, the scar the Kenyan inflicted on him itches to high degree levels. 

Nijel, who is currently camping in Germany, has been competing in both the 200 and 400 metres races to gauge his fitness level.

Two weeks back he finished on position one in the 200m recording 21:34 seconds; he later clocked 45:74 seconds in the 400m race.

He told BOPA that he aimed to run his race without any pressure, adding that it was the first Diamond League race after a month.

The confident Nijel said he was looking forward to a good race and ultimately clock a good time. 

“I can’t say I am fully recovered because I still have some issues. But yes after competing in both the 200 and 400 metres I will say my speed is now better compared to my last Diamond League race,” he said.

The provincial list is made up of David Rudisha, Amos, World Champion Mohammad Aman, and 2011 European Junior Champion Pierre-Ambroise Bosse from France.

The United States of America will be represented by Matthew Centrowitz; Kenya will be represented by Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich, Job Kinyor, and Alfred Kipketer; while Marcin Lewandowski will represent Poland, and the Netherlands by Bram Som. ENDS