20 Aug 2020

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) supports Nijel Amos’s decision to focus on Tokyo Olympics Games.

This comes after the 800 metres runner’s recent announcement that he would not compete in the Diamond League meetings this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amos and his club, Oregon Track Club, were of the notion that missing the Diamond League would afford him an opportunity to shape up for the Tokyo meet.

BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho, said this was a welcome development given that they did not want him to risk his health for short term gains.

He said it was imperative for Amos and other athletes to prioritise staying safe because they would have more competitions in future.

Serufho, however, said they sympathised with him and other athletes for the loss of possible income, adding that this accentuated the need for athletes to be empowered on investments where to fall back on.

Sports reporter from Kenya, Charity Wanja, hailed the athlete and his team’s decision as advantageous.

She said Amos would therefore have enough time to rest and focus on next season unlike their colleagues who were still competing this year.

Wanja, however said, the  disadvantage was that the athlete would  have more work load next year to get in shape while those who were active this season would have less work in their training programme.

“The other disadvantage is the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not sure if Olympics Games will still be held next year,” she said.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, journalist, Daniel Wahome, said the 2020 track season was about income generation.

“The real deal starts in December when most athletes will be competing in quest to qualify for the Olympics. So, that may be the reason to stay back, so as to keep fit, avoid injuries and focus on a particular year.

In the absence of competitive training, then expect that the athlete may not be in a position to win,” he said. ENDS