23 Mar 2022

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) is in talks with 800m runner, Nijel Amos, after he sought audience with the office. 

Acting BNOC chief executive officer, Baboni Kupe, confirmed their engagement with Amos.

However, she did not divulge the details, adding ‘we are still engaging, therefore, I am not in a position to comment on the matter’. 

Amos is crying foul at his exclusion from the BNOC funded Olympic Solidarity (OS).

Twelve athletes will benefit from the scholarship that is aimed at enabling them to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Amos said BNOC officials provided him with an unsatisfactory response to his enquiries on why he was left out of the sponsorship.

He said they informed him that they only selected athletes who had the potential to qualify for Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

Amos said he was still surprised why he was overlooked because his good performance was visible to all.

He said his current time in 800 metres was the fastest in the world and was four seconds faster than the Olympic qualification standard.

He added that the response from BNOC showed that they did not believe in his talent. 

“I can’t force BNOC to support me, but I can protect myself. I have asked for a virtual meeting and I am waiting for them,” he said.

Amos said he would propose that they operate as private entities and that he would support himself and become an independent athlete.

“I will take care of myself, prepare for the races and send the invoice,” he said, adding that he hoped they would agree on the worth of each medal.BOPA