Amos' athletic future on hold ...as AIU takes their Sweet time
One of the biggest names in local sports, 800m star, Nigel Amos is still awaiting for the verdict from Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the case that has been going on for over 10 months, leaving the 2012 Olympic silver medallist in a cloud of suspense pertaining to his track career. Under normal circumstances It is highly likely that Amos would have been part of the upcoming FNBB Golden Grand Prix that is scheduled to take place on April 29, 2023, at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
A decorated athlete, still in his prime who also happens to be the first Motswana to win an Olympic medal, local track and field fanatics would be thrilled to witness Amos run on home soil.However as things stand, Amos remains suspended pending the outcome of his controversial doping case. Amos tested positive for a banned substance few days before the 2022 World Athletics Championships that were held in the United States of America last year in July.
He tested positive for GW1516, an experimental drug which can modify the body’s metabolism but has been considered too dangerous for human use. GW1516 was developed to help build endurance and burn fat but was found to cause cancer during tests on rodents. Anti-doping organizations have warned athletes not to use it on safety grounds. “Unfortunately, we are currently not commenting on this issue as the investigations are still on going,”a cagey Amos told the Sun Sports in a rather brief interview this week.
He however has been very open to his followers about this particular case, on the 22nd of March 2023, he posted on his Facebook page saying: “Never been the one to give up and won’t start now, staying strong and keeping my head up while we still working on my case. I appreciate everyone supporting me during this difficult time. Please continue including me in your prayers for God to see this through,” he wrote.