It feels like gold

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday August 10, 2012 00:00

 

It has taken Botswana 32 years to land its first ever medal at the Olympics, and when it arrived, it was through a fast and furious bolt by the young talent from Marobela.Arriving in London as an unknown quantity, 18-year old Amos would leave the British capital as the second fastest 800 metre runner in the world.Starting in Lane 5, Amos began sprightly and soon cut in to join the leading pack. He was fourth as the runners passed the first 100 metres but he kept the momentum. With 100 metres left, it became evident that Botswana's first medal was within reach as Amos powered past Ethiopian threat, Mohammed Aman, eliminating Timothy Kitum of Kenya in the process. In front of Amos was the lanky world record holder David Rudisha of Kenya and his trademark long strides who never looked back as he set a new mark of 1:40:91secs, bettering his previous best of 1:41:01secs.

Amos improved his personal best of 1:43:11secs as he crossed the line in 1:41:73secs. He was sandwiched by two Kenyans as Kitum finished third in 1:42:53secs.Amos will pocket US$60,000 (about P468,000) from Choppies chain stores. The retail giant promised US$10,000 to athletes who reach the finals while winning silver carries US$50,000. It looked like mission impossible when the country's brightest prospect Amantle Montsho bombed out on Sunday, leaving little known Amos to carry the nation's hopes. He answered the call in the best way possible as he thundered his way to the final to crown it with a silver medal, ensuring what is now a successful sojourn to London.