Reigning African 800m champion Nijel Amos’ stock continues to rise after recording yet another historic feat last week. He clinched his second 800m IAAF Diamond League title and became the youngest ever athlete to achieve the feat in his race category.
Amos finished in second place at the final Diamond League meet of the year in Brussels, Belgium to confirm his place as the 800m champion in the multi series tournament. The Marobela native amassed 16 points in the competition, he finished the standings six points ahead of his closest rival Adam Kszczot whose points tally doubled after winning the final race in Brussels ahead of Amos.
The 21-year old has now emulated Amantle Montsho by winning back-to-back titles in the competition, his record is also identical to his 800m rivals Mohamed Aman and David Rudisha. Next year Amos will have a chance to eclipse Aman and Rudisha’s records as well as equaling Montsho’s record of three consecutive Diamond League trophies(2011, 2012, 2013).
Amos’ triumph has also improved Botswana’s total record in the competition’s five year history, five titles have been recorded by Batswana athletes including three from Montsho and two from Nijel. As a result, Botswana is the third most successful African country in the competition’s history behind Kenya and Ethiopia.
Botswana’s 800m sprint king is also set to end the year as the number one ranked athlete in the 800m world rankings.