06 Dec 2021

Renowned 800 metres runner, Nijel Amos, received sports personality of the year award at the Africa Choice awards ceremony in Nigeria on Saturday.

Amos dedicated the award to Africa as motivation for the continent to continue to strive to create an environment where everyone would be celebrated.

In an interview, Amos said the award was a sign that hard work pays and would therefore motivate young athletes aspiring to be chosen among the best to focus.

Amos said sport remained a tool that united people from different countries and backgrounds, therefore awarding and rewarding excellence was a step in the right direction.

Nominated alongside Amos, were Nigerian footballer, Asisat Oshoala and Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, Israel Adasanya, Ghananian motorist, Lewis

Appiagyei, South African rugby player, Pieter Steph Du Toit and tennis player, Lloyd Harris also from South Africa.

Amos said he was happy to have been nominated with skilled athletes in Africa.

Athletes, he said, put a lot of work behind the scenes, therefore recognising their talent was fulfilling.

“Thank you Africa Choice Awards for this award. It means the world to me,” he said.

Amos’ recognition comes barely a few months after he failed to win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held in Japan.

“I watched my dream crash in front of millions of people this year at the Olympics, but my spirit was not dampened by the setback. Going forward I know what to do to get the results,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amos is set to compete at the World Athletics Championships billed for Oregon, USA next year and also the Paris Olympics in 2024. ENDS