Botswana track star Nijel Amos relishes IAAF nomination

Nijel Amos

Gaborone (Botswana), Oct 7 (IANS) Botswana's middle-distance runner Nijel Amos, the London Olympics 800 metre silver medalist, is relishing his nomination for the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) Athlete of the Year.

Amos told the local media Monday he was delighted to be recognised among the best athletes in the world. He said he had a very good season and was thankful to his South Africa-based coach for doing a good job in his preparations, reports Xinhua.

IAAF announced the names of 10 men and women who have been shortlisted for the 2014 World Athlete of the Year Award. The 20-year-old Amos is among the contenders for the coveted price.

He just had a breakthrough season winning diamond in the IAAF Diamond League and clocking the best time for the year at Oregon, US earlier in the year. He went on to beat 2012 Olympic gold medalist Kenyan David Rudisha to clinch gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His final race of the season was at the Continental Cup where he helped Africa win gold in 800m.

Amos said winning the award will be a big bonus for him as he wants to keep on improving.

The candidates have been selected by an international panel of athletics experts which include representatives from all six continental areas of the IAAF. An email poll involving the world athletics community began October 3 and will close October 16.

At the conclusion of the voting process, three male and three female finalists will be selected and announced by the IAAF. The Council of the International Athletics Foundation will then select the male and female winners, with the announcement taking place live on stage during the 2014 World Athletics Gala, November 21.