Now that the qualification period for the upcoming Olympic Games has closed, Bahamian athletes who have made the mark, in athletics, now know exactly where they stack up.
The updated performance listing for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was released on July 3, a day after the qualification period for the London Games closed. All eyes were glued to the listing, since powerhouses in the sport like United States of America (USA), Jamaica and European countries wrapped up their Olympic trials on the weekend past.
There is no doubt now, that the men's 100 meters (m) will be a thriller and national record holder Derrick Atkins, as well as collegian Warren Fraser both made sure that they are a part of the action. Atkins has a season's best of 10.09 seconds and Fraser's time is 10.18 seconds. The world leader in the event is Jamaican Yohan Blake with a time of 9.75 seconds. His fellow countryman, Usain Bolt has ran 9.76 seconds this season. Bolt is the world record holder with 9.58 seconds.
Michael Mathieu has posted a blazing time in the 200m and will head into the games as the top qualifier for The Bahamas. Also listed high on the charts in the event is quartermiler Demetrius Pinder and Ramon Miller. Blake is the world leader in this event as well. He has a best of 19.80 seconds. The three Bahamians are not to far off. Mathieu is at 20.16 seconds, Pinder's time is 20.23 seconds and Miller crossed the line at 20.50 seconds.
The sixth fastest time so far in the 400m, in the world, belongs to Pinder who posted 44.77 seconds. Miller is a couple steps behind Pinder with 44.87 seconds and Mathieu has turned in 45.06 seconds. Chris Brown has cracked the top 20 with 45.14 seconds. American LaShawn Merritt is the current world leader with the time of 44.12 seconds.
High jumper Trevor Barry has the 11th best mark, so far this season. The sole Bahamian competing in the upcoming games in the event, has soared over 2.31m. Young Ryan Ingraham was hoping to make the mark, he has a best on the season of 2.28m. Bronze medalist in the triple jump, from the 2008 Olympic Games, Leevan Sands will look to make the podium again. His marking is at 17.03m.
Three Bahamian female sprinters have all qualified with the A standard set for the London Games. Leading the way and the highest ranked on the women's 100m listing is Sheniqua Ferguson with 11.07 seconds. Young Anthonique Strachan has a season's best of 11.22 seconds and Chandra Sturrup has posted 11.45 seconds. National record holder in the 200m, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie is right in the hunt with 11.26 and Shaunae Miller's time is 11.41 seconds.
The best time by any Bahamian female in the 200m is 22.64 seconds by Ferguson. That time has her in the top 20 and Miller is about five spots below her with 22.70 seconds. Strachan has qualified in the half lap event too, with her season's best of 22.75 seconds.
Miller is the sole female to qualify for the 400m and is the only one to crack the top 25 on the IAAF's chart. She has a season's best of 51.25 seconds.
The official team in athletics will be named by the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC). The Olympic Games will be held in London, England July 27-August12.
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