25 May 2016

After starting the IAAF Diamond League Rabat meeting on a sombre note, Botswana’s 800 metre runner Nijel Amos is expected to redeem his pride at Prefontaine Classic, Eugene Diamond League on Saturday.

Amos finished on position six, clocking 1:47.37.  Position one went to Pierre-Ambroise Bosse of France with 1:44.51. On position three was Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi recording 1:44.91 while Amel Tuka of Bosnia and Herzegovina clocked 1:45.41 to finish on position three.

Since Eugene is in a totally different continent and different meeting, can Amos pick up the pieces and move on after a loss.

Amos will be pitted against America’s Andrew Wheating, Boris Berian and Harun Abda, Ethiopian middle distance runner Mohammed Aman, Kenya’s Timothy Kitum and Ferguson Rotich, Amel Tuka of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wesley Vázquez of Puerto Rican, and Polish Adam Kszczot.

He however told BOPA that he was worried about the Rabat meeting results because he entered the race recovering from fever.

“I did well, generally I was happy with my performance because obviously fever had affected my body, I know Batswana don’t want to settle for less, but they just have to be patient. I am happy that now everything is coming together,” he said.

Amos further said in every race that he competed in, his mission was to do his best, adding that the Prefontaine Classic meeting would not be easy, but with the grace of God he would continue to strive for excellence.

Meanwhile 400 metre runner, Isaac Makwala who finished on position three with 45.38 at Rabat meeting will also feature at the Prefontaine Classic.

Although he did not start the league well at Doha after finishing on position six, recording 45.71. In Rabat he showed a big improvement as he settled for position three clocking 45.38.               

Although he dominated the race, LaShawn Merritt of USA spoiled the party by only 50 metres remaining as people thought Botswana 400 metres specialist will settle for position two. Kevin Borlee of Belgium stole the show just at the finish line.

On Saturday, Makwala is on the starting line up with  a Trinidadian sprinter Machel Cedenio, Steven Gardiner of  Bahamias, Abdalleleh Haroun of Qatar, Grenadian Kirani James, Yousef Ahmed of Saudi Arabia, Rusheen McDonald of  Jamaica and LaShawn Merritt is of America. ENDS