Disgraced Botswana’s former Olympic silver medallist set to release his documentary

Botswana's former Olympic silver medallist who will release his documentary in August. Photos: Imago/Mmegi.

ATHLETICS Disgraced Botswana’s former Olympic silver medallist set to release his documentary

Joel Omotto 20:09 - 16.03.2024

The middle-distance runner, who is serving a three-year doping ban, will tell it all in his documentary which will feature at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Disgraced Botswana’s former Olympic 800m silver medallist Nijel Amos will release his documentary titled, ‘From Marobela to the World’ in August.

Amos is currently serving a three-year doping ban handed to him last May, over the use of the banned substance GW1516, having been provisionally suspended in July 2022 after failing the drug test during an out-of-competition test a month earlier.

The documentary promises to be a compelling exploration of Amos' extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings in Marobela to becoming a silver medallist at the 2012 London Olympics.

With a narrative that encompasses the highs of athletic achievement, the challenges of the doping crisis, and the dramatic saga surrounding his Olympic medal, the film offers a comprehensive look into Amos' life and career.

However, the release of the documentary coincides with a somber moment for Amos as he mourns the loss of his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in shaping his upbringing and character.

This adds a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the personal sacrifices and struggles that have accompanied his professional success.

Amos’ documentary has been submitted to the prestigious International Cannes Film Festival, which will be celebrating its 77th edition this year, from May 14-25.

Through a collaboration between local film-producing companies and American-based entities Invictus World Wide and LCMC Company, the project showcases the universal appeal of Amos' story and the dedication of its creators to bringing it to audiences worldwide.

Invictus World Wide president, who is also the executive producer, Carlos Pimentel, told Botswana publication MmegiSport they started filming the documentary in 2019, three years before his suspension.

Amos took silver at the London Games, in what many called the greatest Olympic race in history when Kenyan David Rudisha lowered his world record.

It was Botswana’s first and only Olympics medal but the doping saga wiped away all the glory, leaving him and his country embarrassed before he apologised to his nation.

The whole process also took its toll on his finances and was reported to be looking to sell his Olympic medal to survive last May.

Amos’ ban, which was backdated to July 2022, the time of his suspension, will end in July 2025.

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