Quad Injury pulls Amos down

Botswana sprinter, Nijel Amos’ dream of bringing an Olympic medal home was shut down this afternoon. Botswana’s hope of getting a first Olympic honor dwindled as Amos took position eight (8). According to the athlete, the devastating performance was due to a quad Injury.

In his heartfelt appreciation message to his supporters after the Eight hundred meter (800m) final race loss, Nijel Amos wrote;

“Today was a big day for me and a big day for everyone at home. Tonight I walked out of that stadium proud of how I handled all that was in my control, emotions and anxiety. How I was feeling physically was beyond my control. I tried to ignore a quad injury as much as I could, but in the end, the pain just became unbearable.

I felt all the support and love and saw all the well wishes. Even though this is not the outcome we would have wanted, I am proud to have experienced it with you all. Tomorrow is another day. Another day for me to be better than I was yesterday. Now it’s time for me to regroup and move forward onto the next step. Peace and love to all who supported me.”

Amos came second from the last clocking One minute, Forty-six seconds, and Forty-one milliseconds. The first position was scooped by Emmanuel Kipkirui korir with One minute, Forty-five seconds, and Six milliseconds (1:4.06). Coming second was Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich with One minute, Forty-five seconds and Twenty-three milliseconds. Both the gold and silver medalists are Kenyans. The bronze medal was won by Poland’s Patryk Dobek with One minute, Forty-five seconds, and Thirty-nine milliseconds (1:45.39).

A quad injury, also known as a quadriceps muscle strain is an acute tearing injury of the quadriceps. Quadriceps are located in front of the thigh. This injury is usually due to an acute stretch of the muscle, often at the same time of a forceful contraction or repetitive functional overloading.

Athletes with quadriceps strains often complain of a “pulling” sensation in the front of the thigh. Pain, swelling, bruising and muscle tenderness may also occur. Quadriceps tears can sideline a player anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the severity.