Nijel Amos has been one of our favorites for years. The leg speed of a fine 400m runner, the endurance of a fine middle distance runner, and the jesticulations, in the final stretch of a race, that can only be compared to the iconric British singer, Joe Cocker. He has battled back from the heights of 2012, and an Olympic silver medal, to, seven years later, possessing the fastest time of the year in 2019.
After run 44.99 in Padova meeting, @amosnijel became the only one to break 1.42.00 and 45.00 walls.#athletes #rosassociati #nike pic.twitter.com/0WJnBkYFOy
— Rosa & Associati (@Rosassociati) July 17, 2019
In 2012, the young Botswanan ran 1:41.73, taking silver to David Rudisha’s amazing WR run. In 2014, Nijel Amos took gold in the Commonwealth Games and also the 2014 World Cup in Marrakesh, Morocco. He battled injuries in 2015 and 2016, taking fifth in the 2017 London World Championships.
Nijel Amos has had both moments of brilliance, and moments of frustration. Since 2016, Nijel has been coached by Mark Rowland, the coach of the Nike Oregon TC. Mark and I spoke about Nijel at dinner in 2017, and the iconic coach spoke at length, and with affection, about his rather new athlete. Nijel is obviously fit and ready to role in 2019. Monaco showed that…
On 12 July 2019, Nijel Amos won the Herculis Monaco DL 800m in WL 1:41.89, showing that he is fit in 2019!
Nijel Amos, photo by PhotoRun.net
Here’s the Five questions we sent to Nijel Amos. Thanks to Federico Rosa, his manager at Rosa Associati, for getting the interview done.
Nijel Amos has recovered from an early season injury, and is fit and ready to race. His focus is fixed onto the Doha 2019 World Championships, September 26-October 5, 2019. His ability to consider his changes from seven years ago make for an exciting build up to Doha!
RunBlogRun, #1: Nijel, did you know, before your 1:41.89, you were ready?
Nijel Amos: ” A week before, I had a great session. 350 x 3. Last 300m fast, first 50, roll on. So, hit 35, 35 and closed fast with 34 last one so I knew I was in a good place. Mental Strength too, so I run smoothly, will hit 1:41.”
Nijel Amos, Kenya, 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, #2: Will you race 4x400m this year?
Nijel Amos: “Yes, I will do it at the World Championships.”
Nijel Amos, Kenya, 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, #3: Tell us about your fitness?
Nijel Amos: ” It’s geat. More healthy which makes everything easier. All quality sessions I’m getting them done well without struggling.”
Nijel Amos, Kenya, 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, #4: Are you as fit as 2012?
Nijel Amos: ” I’m better than I was in 2012, now not only fitness wise, but maturity and beirng able to handle race pressure.”
Nijel Amos, Lausanne, 2015, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, #5: What do you love about the 800m?
Nijel Amos: “The fact that it’s a combination of speed and endurance makes it so special. It (requires) unique abilities have to be balanced.
Nijel Amos takes the tape, Lausanne 2015, photo by PhotoRun.net
