The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

This time it was on the streets of Boston, but that didn't stop the Bahamian twin towers of Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo to continue their dominance of the track and field competition this year.

As two of three Bahamians competing at the 3rd Boost Boston Games on Sunday, Gardiner and Miller-Uibo both took advantage of their heights to surge from their field of competitors to easily win the men's 200 metres and the women's 150m.

Meanwhile, it was a sweep for the Bahamas, led by Commonwealth Games' silver medallist Jamal Wilson, in the men's high jump on Saturday night at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston, Jamaica.

Gardiner, fresh off his victory in his second IAAF Diamond League Meet in Shanghai, China, built up enough stamina near the end of the men's 200m to pull away to secure his win in 19.88 seconds as Panama's Alonso Edward tried to catch him, but had to settle for second in a season's best of 20.03. That was good enough for him to hold off Jamaica's Jereem Richards, who did the same time.

"They had a different set up, so overall it was better than last year," said Gardiner as he told The Tribune about the race conditions. "It was more steadier and everything. It was a good race. I didn't have a good start. But as more a 200/400m runner, I just had to go out and didn't panic or anything. I just kept my composure and just brought it home to the line."

Gardiner said it was good to get to compete on the street in an environment where they got to interact closely with the crowd.

After dominating the women's 200m last year, Miller-Uibo moved down to the 150m where she used her 6-1 frame to pull away from the field in the final stage of the race to easily take the tape in 16.23. As she crossed the line, newly wed Trinidad & Tobago's Michelle-Lee Ahye, the Commonwealth Games' 100m champion, closed in for second in 16.57. Jamaica's Shashalee Forbes was third in 16.75.

"I just give God all the thanks and praise yet again," said Miller-Uibo, the champion of the 200m at the Commonwealth Games last month in the Gold Coast, Australia. "This was my second year competing at the Adidas Boost Boston Games so to come out with my second win and world best time, it was amazing."

The 24-year-old 6-1 double 200/400 sprint contender noted that the energy was different, racing in the streets and it makes the sport so much more fun.

"I'd say I got some speed work in today," Miller-Uibo told The Tribune. "I'm looking forward to competing in Eugene next week."

Miller-Uibo, who will continue her IAAF Diamond League campaign at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon this weekend, said she was proud to have watched Gardiner turn in another impressive performance.

"Stevie once again did an amazing job and we all saw the 400m power and strength kick in during his last 50m of the race," she stated. "He added another sub 20 to his list. I'm proud of him as well."

Likewise, Gardiner said he was equally pleased with what he saw.

"Shaunae just go out there and do her thing," he pointed out. "Congrats to her for a great job."

The only other Bahamian to compete in the Boston Games was sprinter Tynia Gaither, who had to settle for a fourth place finish in the women's 200m in a season's best of 22.86. The race was won by Jamaica's Anastasia Le-Roy in a personal best of 22.16. American Joanna Atkins was second in 22.31 and her compatriot Shakima Wimbley was third in 22.43.

"I saw Tynia go off. Congrats to her for her season's best," he summed up.

Wilson lead Bahamas Sweep

At the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston where four Bahamians were in action, Commonwealth Games' Jamal Wilson continue to soar, winning the men's high jump with his leap of 2.28 metres. Wilson passed his three attempts at 2.30m and went to 2.32m, but didn't clear any of his attempts.

Both Trevor Barery, making his comeback this year, and Donald Thomas, fourth at the Commonwealth Games, cleared 2.25m for second and third respectively. Barry, however, got the higher spot because of fewer knockdowns than Thomas. They both attempted 2.28m, but failed.

Anthonique Strachan, now training Jamaica, was the only other Bahamian to compete in the meet. The Commonwealth Games' 200m semifinalist was entered in the women's 100m Development where she placed fifth in 12.24m. Veteran Sherone Simpson led a 1-2-3-4 finish for Jamaica by clocking 11.73 for the victory.