BNOC clip Amos’ battered wings
‘They’re embarrassing themselves!’ Silver Bullet fires back
A fired-up Nijel Amos has slammed comments made by the BNOC as embarrassing and stupid, after the sporting body warned stakeholders against engaging the suspended star.
On Wednesday, the Botswana National Olympic Committee released a statement expressing ‘deep concern’ at ‘certain stakeholders’ for engaging the Marobela marvel despite the fact Amos is ‘currently banned from any competition or activity for breaching World Athletics Anti-Doping rules’.
The cause of the controversy was Amos’ appearance at last week’s launch of the Orapa Half Marathon.
Not one to take criticism lying down, the 29-year-old 800m runner hit back at the criticism with typical defiance.
“I was so embarrassed to see that statement. I can’t participate in athletics but sponsored walks and appearances are not prohibited.”
“They did not even have the courtesy to call me or contact the Botswana Athletics Association. Those people don’t know what they are talking about. I am not one of the ambassadors for the marathon. I accompanied one of their beneficiaries, who is also my friend, Onkabetse Nkobolo to the launch. It happened that we took pictures with the marathon ambassadors after the launch. I was not even announced as one of them. I don’t know what the fuss is about,” insisted Amos in an exclusive interview with Voice Sport on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the BNOC Press Release was issued.
Accusing the Committee of running a vendetta against him, Amos added, “This was personal. I did not do anything wrong, the BNOC must get their facts right!”
The Silver Bullet, who announced himself on the world scene with a second place finish as an 18-year-old at the 2012 Olympics in London, stressed he understood the rules very well, as the World Athletics Anti-Doping Unit clearly explained them to him.
“What they [BNOC] have done is not good; it might scare other people who want to engage me in their activities, thinking they are breaking the law,” continued Amos, who is demanding an apology.
Having pleaded guilty after testing positive for the banned substance GW1516 last year, Amos is suspended from competing again until July 2025.
However, BNOC are adamant his ban covers all activities other than anti-doping education.
“In accordance with Article 10.14.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) on Status during Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension, Mr. Amos may NOT participate in any capacity in a Competition or activity other than anti-doping education until he has fully served his period of ineligibility,” reads part of the statement.
It remains to be seen how, or indeed if, the BNOC react to Amos outburst.
Meanwhile, former 400m World Champion, Amantle Montsho was announced as the Orapa Half-Marathon ambassador alongside retired soccer star, Diphetogo Selolwane. The marathon will be held at Orapa on the 25th November.
