The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

With the rhythmic sounds of the junkanoo music playing in the background, 'Golden Girl' Shaunae Miller-Uibo was ushered through a parade of workers at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The visit yesterday morning was for a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle and a press conference where Miller-Uibo was lauded for her remarkable undefeated season in both the 200 and 400 metres on the international scene.

The Commonwealth Games, International Amateur Athletic Federation's Diamond League and Continental Cup champion was highlighted by a rendition from Bahamian icon Julian Believe and a portrait presentation by celebrity artist Jamaal Rolle.

Miller-Uibo, accompanied by her husband Maicel and father Shaun Miller, also received a special treat when Clinton Davis, the general manager of the Courtyard Marriott, presented the elegant 6-foot, 1-inch Olympic 400m gold medallist with a lifetime stay at their downtown resort.

In her address, Rolle took the time to highlight Miller-Uibo's accomplishments that comes on the shoulders of former performances from Sir Durward 'Sea Wolf' Knowles, Thomas A Robinson, Shonel Ferguson, the Golden Girls, the Golden Knights, Tonique Williams, Mark Knowles and Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace.

"It is my humble yet considered opinion, that today, we have surpassed the gold with our Shaunae, we have made it platinum and with the help of the almighty God, there is no stopping us now," Rolle said.

"This morning, my ministry, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, in particular, our division of Youth, is pleased to welcome home our Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Mrs Shaunae Miller-Uibo."

While she didn't make mention of any financial compensation for her achievement as the top female 200/400m competitor this year and a candidate for the IAAF Athlete of the Year, Rolle said Miller-Uibo has emerged as the primary school runner, high school champion, junior and senior girl star of the team, national record holder, regional superstar, international newcomer, world leading athlete and daughter of the Bahamian soil.

"For your excellence in service to country, Shaunae, we salute you," Rolle stated.

"Indeed, with grace, with tenacity, endurance, agility and discipline, you have kept focused and you have made us proud.

"You have managed to return home with an undefeated athletic season. From the setting of a world record in the Adidas Boston Boost Games 150 dash, to your dominating performances in the 400 and 200 metres, to your climax of the track season with a victorious finish in the women's 200 metres and your triumph in the mixed 4 x 400 relay for the Americas team at the IAAF Continental Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and your winning team member performance in the women's 4 x 100m relay team, completing your tour of duty with a 2018 win-loss record of 18-0."

On that backdrop, Rolle declared that "many people have done virtuously, but this season thou has excelled them all" and she advised Miller-Uibo that win or lose, "we are your lifetime fans. On your good days or your not so good days, we are your devoted cheerleaders and now and always we wish you the very best." Rolle also commended high jumper Donald Thomas and quarter-miler Steven Gardiner for their performances this year, individually and collectively, for making great strides on the world stage.

In response to the accolades, a gracious Miller-Uibo thanked the Bahamian people for their support and the ministry for the celebrations they gave her that started with the junkanoo music.

"Everyone who knows me knows that track and field has been a part of my life since I was a very young girl," said the 24-year-old. "I started track and field when I was six years old. Just to make it to this part in my life is a blessing. I want to give God thanks and praise for bringing me to this point in my life. I just want to continue to inspire the younger kids coming up and looking forward to achieving their dreams. We might be a small country, but we are very powerful."

As an ambassador for the country, Miller-Uibo said every time she steps out on the track, she feels the love and appreciation from the Bahamian people and she just wants to go out there and hear the national anthem play whenever she wins.

She advised the audience that she's looking forward to duplicating her feat next year and she hopes that the public will continue to support her and the rest of the Bahamian athletes in all of her endeavours.

Rolle, in her closing remarks, said the performances of our athletes have inspired this year's theme for the National Sports Month in November to be celebrated under the theme: "Ain't no stopping us now - we're on the move."