04 Aug 2021

Botswana’s dream of bagging an Olympic medal in 800 metres were shattered today after Nijel Amos finished eighth at theTokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Amos started the final well, but seemed to have made a mistake of letting others dictate the pace of the race.

It appeared clear that Ferguson Rotich and Emmanuel Korir of Kenya had planned well for Amos since he was their biggest threat.

Track and field analyst, Aobakwe Showa, said in the first 200 metres, Amos looked like he wanted to take the lead, but he was discouraged by the pushing and shuffling that took place at the initial stages of the race.

He said it was a crowded lead pack with Australian Peter Bol and Amel Tuka from Bosnia and Herzegovina neck and neck with Amos a little behind as they finished the first lap with a rather slow 53 seconds for a final.

He noted that nobody was keen to take the lead until about 600 metres when Korir started to make his move and closed in on Bol.

He said  Amos tried to follow him as well as the rest of the field. 

As they approached the 200 metre mark, Amos tried to sprint but he was outpaced by almost half of the field who looked to have more power. 

He faded to eventually finish eighth with a time of 1:46.41

Showa said Amos lost in the first half of the race since it was slow.

 He said Amos’ failure to take command of the race was his undoing.

“Pace judgement and good energy distribution will always win you races and one will have hoped Nijel will take charge of the race which sadly wasn’t the case,” he said. Ends