NIJEL AMOS

The

HUMANITARIAN

1994

Born in the Dust of Marobela

Nijel was born in a rural village in Botswana with no running tracks, no spotlight—
just raw potential and quiet dreams.

1997

Orphaned, but Not Alone

He lost both parents at a young age and was raised by his grandmother, who taught him strength, humility, and discipline through hardship.

2008 - 2010

Long Walks, Big Dreams

To get to school, Nijel walked 14 km every day, barefoot at times, while balancing schoolwork and cattle herding to support his family.

2011

Talent Discovered, Barriers Remained

Coaches began to notice his natural speed, but with limited funding, outdated facilities, and no access to elite competition, the path was anything but easy.
2012
From the Village to the World Stage

In 2012, at just 18, Nijel won silver at the London Olympics—the first Olympic
medal in Botswana’s history, and a defining moment for his country.

2021

The Weight of Sudden Fame

Fame came fast, but the pressure to perform, lack of infrastructure, and rising expectations were a heavy burden for a young athlete to carry alone.

2022

Fighting to Stay on Top

He battled through injuries, underfunding, and global competition to stay among the world’s elite, holding fast to the dream that brought him out of Marobela.

2023

The Ban That Changed Everything

In 2022, Nijel was hit with a three-year doping ban. He couldn’t afford to keep fighting the case and had to accept a three-year suspension that would erase the Paris Olympics in 2024.

2024

Struggling in Silence

With sponsors gone and income cut off, he nearly sold his Olympic medal to survive. But even then, he trained in quiet defiance, still believing in his return.

2025

Rising Again with Purpose

Today, Nijel is rebuilding with the same grit that got him here. His mission now is bigger than medals: to inspire, empower, and build something greater for the next generation.

MORE THAN AN ATHLETE

Giving More Than Medals
Nijel quietly covers school fees for underprivileged children in his hometown. For him, real victory means helping the next generation access opportunities he had to fight for.
A Voice of Hope in Hard Times
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nijel stepped in with food hampers, hospital runs, and hands-on support, proving that being a champion also means showing up when no one’s watching.
Building Dreams, One Field at a Time
Through his foundation, he equips schools with sports gear and training. He also started a youth club to keep kids off the streets and into structured athletics like football and netball.
Celebrating Those Often Forgotten
Every year, Nijel hosts a Christmas party for the elderly and underprivileged children, bringing food, gifts, and joy to those who are too often overlooked.
Using His Story to Uplift Others
Nijel regularly visits schools and speaks at events, sharing his journey from rural Botswana to the Olympics, reminding young people that adversity isn’t the end, it’s the beginning.

The

CHOSEN ONE

Olympic History at 18

In 2012, Nijel Amos became Botswana’s first-ever Olympic medalist, winning silver in the 800m at just 18 years old—instantly putting his country on the global athletics map.

A Nation’s Highest Honor

His Olympic breakthrough earned him the Presidential Order of Honor, one of Botswana’s highest awards, recognizing his role in inspiring a generation.

Africa’s Champion

Dominating the continent, Nijel became a three-time African Champion (2014, 2016, 2018), consistently raising Botswana’s flag at the top of the podium.

Global Recognition

In 2021, he was named Africa Sports Personality of the Year, and his global impact earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

A Diamond on the Track

On the international circuit, he secured three Diamond League titles (2014, 2015, 2017), proving he wasn’t just a moment—he was a movement.

More Than an Athlete

Twice named Sportsperson of the Year, Nijel’s influence extends far beyond medals —he’s a national icon, community builder, and a symbol of what’s possible.

Speed in the History Books

With a personal best of 1:41.73, Nijel is officially the third-fastest man in 800m history—a time that still shakes the record books.
Against All Odds, For All of Us
I wasn’t supposed to make it out of a place like Marobela. But I did. Fueled by the strength of my community and a belief that ran deeper than circumstance, I turned doubt into history.

Today, I carry more than medals, I carry a mission. To uplift, to inspire, and to give back. Because my story isn’t just mine, it’s a spark for every young dreamer who comes from nowhere but dares to go everywhere.

Where Champions Train, and the World Watches

In the heart of Botswana, a new dream is taking shape. The Nijel Amos International High-Performance Training Center & Resort aims to become Africa’s
first world-class sports hub—uniting elite training, wellness, and eco-tourism in one powerful destination.

With growing international access, a safe and stable environment, and natural global appeal, Maun offers the perfect home. This is more than a project, it’s a call to build something revolutionary. We invite you to be part of this journey, let’s connect!

Empowering Communities, One Light at a Time.
At Light Up Ga Masehlong, we believe that light is more than just a utility — it's a symbol of hope, safety, and opportunity. Born from a deep love for our community, this initiative was created to bring sustainable energy solutions to areas that have long been left in the dark.

Our journey began with a simple goal: to power one home. Today, we’re lighting up schools, streets, and households, empowering people with the tools they need to thrive. We are committed to bridging the energy gap through innovation, community engagement, and a firm belief that everyone deserves access to clean, affordable electricity.

Get In Touch With Us

Have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out to us anytime via email, phone, or visit our center. We’re here to connect, support, and bring light to your community.

OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Companies that we have collaborated with to make this initiative a success. They bring both their expertise and time investment to ensure that we achieve our vision