The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE United States accumulated a total of 60 points to out-position Jamaica and Kenya for the team title at the end of the inaugural IAAF World Relays.

While the Bahamas was eighth overall, the world will leave with so many lasting memories of what has been a fantastic start to the new championships created by the IAAF. The standard has been set.

First, the Thomas A Robinson National was transformed into a magnificent venue for the two days of intense competition. Members of the Local Organising Committee had indicated that when patrons arrived, they would not believe their eyes. They lived up to the hype.

Fans got another treat as they were introduced to a brand new style of presentation of the athletes that has never been done before. As a team, the athletes’ appearance from the start of the 100 metres through a makeshift curtain onto the track. Give the originator an A-plus.

The opening ceremonies, for once in the Bahamas, was short, sweet and right to the point. Of course there was some miscalculation of the performances, but who took any serious notice. To see at least 18 of the athletes who represented the Bahamas given some recognition, was an added feat.

Too bad some of the fans missed it because they came too late. Two world records set on the opening night and another on the closing night put just a little dent into the IAAF pocketbook as the Kenya men’s and women’s 4 x 1,500 metres teams as well as the Jamaican men’s 4 x 200 metres each earned $50,000 for their efforts. Not bad considering the fact that they got to share $50,000 for taking first place.

The medal presentation was also something to watch. Again, an unique approach was taken as each team from bronze to gold ascended the oval podium one at a time to collect their bouquet of flowers. Everyone was still looking for the medals, but the organisers had planned to present them to the recipients during the closing out party.

Unfortunately, only invited guests were allowed to attend. Just before the curtains came down on the two days of competition, IAAF president Lamine Diack presented the winning trophy that featured a baton on the top to Team USA as their members assembled on the platform that the junkanoo group occupied as they entertained the crowd.

It’s a pity, the Bahamas wasn’t given an award for hosting the meet.

The IAAF initially agreed to stage the first two editions of the championship in the Bahamas. No official word was given, but if they live up to their commitment, the Bahamas will be bringing the world back to our shores again in 2015. The championships far surpassed any expectations.