06 May 2019

Botswana’s 800m runner, Nijel Amos started the 2019 Diamond League circuit on a high note, stopping the clock with a World Lead (WL) time of 1:44.29 in Doha on May 3.

Amos forced victory ahead of his track nemesis, Kenya’s Emmanuel Korir, who finished on position two with a time of 1: 44.50, followed by America’s Donavan Brazier with 1:44.70.

Although Korir was dominating the race, Amos left him to enjoy the limelight, but only to show him his true colours in the last 100m where he started attacking from behind.

In the last 30m, Amos sprinted to the finish line, leaving Korir behind as he watched the 2012 Olympic silver medalist helplessly stealing the show.

Athletics coach, Leano Charles said both athletes had the top two quickest times in 2018 hence they were the fans’ favourites.

He said the first lap was quick and the pacesetter Bram Som crossed 400m in 50.24 seconds with Qatari middle-distance runners, Abubaker Abdalla, leading the pack.

Furthermore, Charles said Amos ran a very tactical race as he opted to run behind Korir but within a distance of two metres.

It was Korir who made a meaningful move as he closed on the leader of the pack with about 600m to the finish.

“Amos looked calm as he did not immediately respond to Korir’s earlier acceleration.

There was a little tap on the back from Donovan Brazier on Amos as both athletes were trying to get away from the congestion behind,” he said.

He said it was only on the homestretch that Amos began to accelerate adding that Korir was known for explosive sprints, but on the day he could not keep up with Amos.

“Perhaps that was due to his earlier acceleration, which consumed more energy, and with about 10m left, it was clear Amos has handed the Diamond league champion his first defeat in the series since the Kenyan debut last year,” he said.

Amos posted on his Facebook page after the race saying, “after a couple of years battling with injuries last season there was so much light back into his life.

“Tonight, I opened up the 2019 diamond league with a World-Leading and fastest time I have ever done.

I am grateful for the super amazing team I have around me as I hunt for the fourth diamond league trophy and world championships medal.”  ENDS