31 Aug 2017

British retired track and field athlete, Mark Rowland has done his part in coaching Nijel Amos for this evening’s (September 1) crucial Diamond League final.

What is left is for Amos to go on the track and run like it is his last race and bring the Diamond trophy home.

Amos, who has kept a clean sheet on his journey to the 800 metres final by winning all of his four races in Paris, London, Rabat and Birmingham, is perched at position one on the log with 32 points.

The Marobela-born athlete has what it takes to bring the trophy home as he worked hard this season.

He has also changed coaches and strategies in the quest  to win something that he can brag about.

Amos is unmarked and what he needs to do is to take control of the race, avoid the pushing and boxing in which some athletes have resorted to in an effort to frustrate him on track.

Should he get his tactics right, Amos will be the first 800 metres athlete to win treble in the Diamond League.

He knows that a lot is at stake. He also knows the importance of winning the trophy as he has won it consecutively in 2014 and 2015.

However, Amos should take care of Kenyan Kipyegon Bett so that he does not spoil the party.

Other athletes who will be eyeing the trophy at the AG Memorial Van Damme consist of Kenyans Robert Biwott, Alfred Kipketer, Asbel Kiprop and Ferguson Rotich. From Great Britain there is Elliot Giles, and Polish Adam Kszczot and Marcin Lewandowski.

Rowland said in an interview that he was confident that Amos would bring the trophy home, adding that the athlete was able to put the World Championships behind him, having raced in the Birmingham Diamond League and winning the 800 metres.

“Although disappointing at the World Championships, Nijel has got back in the game, but the three rounds of a championships is a little beyond him at this stage,” he said.

Furthermore, he said Amos was still young and needed another winter programme behind him.

He added that he needed to be strong to withstand the rounds of a championship after having had a long period from running at the top level.

He, however, said good stepping stones had been made this year although the season had been long for the athlete after missing consistent high level training.

“But we are confident that he will perform to his maximum for the final 800 metres of the season. The aim is to make Nijel all rounded over the next couple of years and be prepared for all tactics,” he said.                        

On the other hand, Amos said his eyes were on the lucrative trophy, adding that his aim was to wrap up the Diamond League circuit with a clean sheet.

He said finishing the season strong was vital for him as that would be motivation for the next season.

“I have achieved a lot this year so far. I have ticked boxes even though I didn’t tick all of them I am still satisfied. I had an injury free season, and I am back to the top of the world rankings and I have an amazing team around me.

Quizzed if he was not under pressure to win the trophy given that Isaac Makwala has already won the 400 metres, he was quick to point out that it was all about him achieving his goals of the season.

Meanwhile, Lydia Jele will also line up in the 400 metres women final.

She will share the track with the likes of Jamaica’s  Shericka Jackson, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Novlene Williams-Mills, United States of America Courtney Okolo and Natasha Hastings.

Bahamas will be represented by Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain.

Jele said in an interview that she was ready for the final despite being confirmed at the eleventh hour.

“I did my best with the short notice I was given to prepare, but I feel good and I’m optimistic about the race,” she said. ENDS