10 Sep 2017

Nijel Amos wrapped the athletic season in style by winning the 500 metres road race in the Great North CityGames in Newcastle on Saturday.

Amos, who was pitted against six British runners proved that class is permanent, as he was tried in a different event and different track and managed to beat other competitors to reach the finish line with 59.26.

During the race, Amos battled with Jacob Paul who started the race like a house on fire but as it progressed the Marobela-born showed character.

In the home straight, he accelerated, running against the clock with the British runner pushing him harder. Guy Learmonth  finished in position two with 1:00.73, while Dwayne Cowan finished third in 1:01.01 and Andrew Osagie settling for position four with 1:01.04.

Rabah Yousif was relegated to position five after running a time of 1:01.06, Martyn Rooney was in position six with 1:01.08, while Jacob Paul finished last with a time of 1:03.51.

Amos said in an interview that it was important for him to come out of his comfort zone and challenge himself on something he never tried.

“To be honest, I enjoyed the road race. It is something I haven’t done. So my aim was just to go there and enjoy myself. Position one was a bonus for me. Imagine starting the race on road and finishing on the track. I had fun and I will do it again,” he said.

Further, he said he was happy with his overall performance of the season despite failing to win at the World Championships.

He said winning five Diamond League races and ultimately lifting the lucrative trophy was an achievement for him, although there was a lot of work to be done.

“Am so happy about this season. It’s been an amazing season and I learnt a lot in that when people throw stones at you, it’s because you’re a good tree full of fruits. They see a lot of harvest in you, don’t throw back the stones, rather throw them your fruits so the seeds of yourself may inspire them,” he said.

He however said he would be coming back home for some weeks and then travel back to USA where he is currently based to prepare for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be held in Gold Coast, Australia in April next year. ENDS