Why is banned athlete Nijel Amos planning to sell Olympics medal?

Kenyan 800m runner Nijel Amos who has been banned from competing plans to sell his Olympic silver medal to financially support his family. He clinched the silver medal at the London Olympics 2012 in one of the greatest races in the history of the Olympics. In the final of the men’s 800m race, David Rudisha won the gold medal and set the world record while the other finalists accomplished at least one record each. By winning the prestigious silver, Nijel Amos not only shattered the junior world record but also became the first athlete from Botswana to win an Olympic medal. Despite receiving a reduced three-year ban for doping after signing an admission, the 29-year-old still claims his innocence. Amos described the situation as “a financially draining process” and emphasized his efforts to clear his name and that of Botswana during an 11-month ordeal.

Amos stated, “At this time, my only investment or pension is the famous 2012 Olympic silver medal.” Nijel Amos is presently working with various stakeholders, including financial advisors, to determine how the medal’s value can help support his family. He disclosed that a team is interested in purchasing the medal for 4.5 million Botswana pula (300,000 US dollars). However, the value could increase to 7.5 million pula with the release of his Netflix documentary. He stated the challenges faced by athletes in Botswana, who do not receive pensions or lump-sum insurance payments.

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Why was Nijel Amos banned?

The Commonwealth Games 2014 gold medalist Nijel Amos, who defeated David Rudisha this time at the CWG, was initially suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in July 2022 after an out-of-competition test found GW1516, a banned substance, and metabolic modulator which is not consented for use in human beings, in the urine sample of the athlete. As a result, all of his results since June 4, 2022, have been invalidated. Amos explained that he felt signing the admission was his only option and acknowledged that the AIU’s ruling brought shame to his nation. He apologized to his country, its citizens, fellow athletes, and athletic organizations, but expressed his belief that the outcome would have been different if he had received support from local sports bodies.

What Nijel Amos said about his future plans

Nijel Amos, who was the flag bearer for Botswana at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, cited advice from his legal team as the reason for signing the admission. He said, “Given the circumstances surrounding the case, my legal team and I saw it fit to take that direction so that I get a reduction on my ban.” Amos will be 31 when his ban expires on July 11, 2025, but remains determined to return to the track. He affirmed, “I have no plans to retire.” Amos is optimistic about his prospects at the 2025 World Championships, stating, “I am still in good shape and I am hopeful that I will rise again.” While he recognizes not everyone will be pleased, he appreciates the support from 75 percent of his fellow athletes. Amos concluded by emphasizing that his focus is no longer on being the best athlete in the world but on clearing his name.