The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture proudly congratulates the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), team management, coaches and all of the competitors who comprised Team Bahamas at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. We are proud of each of you. These athletes proved that the size of the team would not define their impact and, in sensational fashion, delivered a gold and silver medal, bringing joy to a nation so in need of hope.
Anthonique Strachan successfully advanced through her rounds of the 200m only to suffer an injury in her semi-final heat thus eliminating her hope of joining Tynia Gaither, who was the only Caribbean athlete successful in advancing through her semi-final, into the finals. This accomplishment comprised Tynia's second consecutive appearance in the 200m championship final. Tynia, running out of lane 9, gave a valiant fight but ultimately would have to settle for 8th position.
Leading the team's medal rush were Olympic bronze and gold medalists respectively, Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, both competing in their specialty 400m event. Shaunae majestically completed each round appearing in complete control and in a league of her own. In perhaps the most dramatic race of the day, and fastest women’s 400m in championship history, Shaunae blazed to a new national and area record of 48.37s, and silver medal, having been beaten to the tape for the gold by a tenacious tiger from Bahrain.
Not to be outdone, Steven Gardiner who faced a formidable field of competitors delivered a golden knockout blow to all, including one of the pre-race favorites from the United States. Through the rounds, Stevie remained light and fluid, but unleashed his beast mode in the finals storming down the homestretch to take gold in a new national record of 43.48s. Gardiner now becomes the second Bahamian to be crowned men's 400m World Champion. Our accomplishments at these championships confirm once again that per capita, we remain the greatest sporting country in the world and ultimately the winning country at the event.
In keeping with the Sports Policy of the Government of The Bahamas, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Stevie Gardiner have qualified for a cash incentive award of $30,000 and $40,000 respectively. Tynia Gaither's appearance in the finals has likewise qualified her for a cash incentive award of $5,000.
The Ministry also proudly congratulates both Coach Ronald Cartwright and Pauline Davis-Thompson on receiving the IAAF Veteran’s Pin for long, dedicated service to the sport. Additionally, Pauline was bestowed the award of Honourary Lifetime Member of the IAAF. Further, we again applaud Mr. Mike Sands for his elevation to president of NACAC and by extension, sitting member of the IAAF Council thereby retaining The Bahamas' representation on this international body.
The Ministry is pleased that the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, accompanied by the Director of Sports Timothy Munnings and Sports Officer Rupert Gardiner, was in attendance to witness the tremendous athletic exploits displayed by our athletes. We wish the entire team safe travel and much rest as they return to their respective destinations.
