20 Aug 2015

Journalists have made their analysis and athletics pundits have had their say regarding this year’s IAAF World Championships.

And after everything has been said and done, it is left to the athletes to prove their mettle and hoist their countries flags high.

The Bird’s Nest Stadium is where it will be happening and Batswana are expected to be glued to their television sets on Saturday morning (August 22) when Nijel Amos will be competing in the heats at 5.50am.

The Marobela-born star will be making his debut after missing the 2013 edition because of a quad muscle injury.If Amos’s current form is anything to go by, then Batswana should expect a medal from the free running athlete.

Zoro undoubtedly has the potential to win a medal at the championships. He has won almost every competition from the Commonwealth Games, Diamond League, Africa Championships and IAAF Continental Games.

However, both Amos and his coach, Jean Vester are aware of challenges that lie ahead. Kenya’s David Rudisha is resurrecting his glory days.
Another athlete who might pose a threat to Amos is Rotich Ferguson who recently outclassed Rudisha at the Kenyan trials.

Another athlete to watch is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Amel Tuka.Before departing for Beijing, Amos said he aims to make it to the podium.

“At the moment I cannot say which medal I will win, but my aim is to make it to the podium at the World Championships. Remember it will be my first time to compete there, so anything can happen,” he said.

He said he was not worried about breaking the world record but  winning a  medals.

In an interview, Kenya’s Daily Nation sports writer, Ayumba Ayodi who has been monitoring his countrymen, said it would be an open race.

He said while Amos has been a marvel to watch this season, the championships would be a different ball game.“The 800m starts from the qualifying rounds before hitting the final. How many athletes have won over the two-lap race this season? This should tell you what to expect in Beijing,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said Amos was the favourite based on his Diamond League performance although he maintained that Rudisha would pose a big threat having improved in every race.

He also said Rotich, Alfred Kipketer and Aman Mohammed would have a point to prove.

Another heat that Batswana will be awaiting with batted breath will be the 400 metres where the country has fielded African record holder, Isaac Makwala and Onkabetse Nkobolo.

Although he is not consistent, Makwala is capable of pulling a surprise in Beijing. However,  he has to overcome athletes such as Kiran James of Grenada, South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekerk and La Shawn Merritt of the USA.

Nkobolo has also proved to be a strong competitor and can surprise a lot of people. He is still young and full of character. Kabelo Kgosiemang will represent the country in the high jump next Thursday while the relay team consisting of Amos, Makwala, Nkobolo, Pako Seribe, Leaname Maotoanong, Sakarea Kamperuka will compete on August 28. Ends