The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture officially congratulated Team Bahamas for its performance at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, and announced monetary awards for each of the three finalists in their respective events.

Newly minted men’s 400m champion will receive $40,000 for his gold medal performance while Shaunae Miller-Uibo will receive $30,000 for her silver medal finish and Tynia Gaither - $5,000 for her advancement to the 200m final.

“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.

“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,” the ministry stated in a press release.

“In keeping with the sports policy of the Government of The Bahamas, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven 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.”

Gardiner, 24, became the Bahamas’ first male double individual medallist as he duplicated his feat that he first accomplished in London, England, two years ago (2016).

His time of 43.48 seconds lowered his previous national record of 43.87 that he established on May 4, 2018, also in Qatar. It was the eigth time a Bahamian won gold at the World Championships – and the first since Donald Thomas triumphed in the men’s high jump in Osaka, Japan, in 2007.

Miller-Uibo, 25, can boast of being the first Bahamian female and athlete to clinch three individual medals at the World Championships. Her initial medal came in 2015 in Beijing, China, where she earned the silver in the 400m.

Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain pulled off the upset of Miller-Uibo in a world-leading time of 48.14 ahead of Miller-Uibo, who earned a North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) area and Bahamian national record of 48.37 - the sixth best in history.

Gaither finished eighth in the 200m final in 22.90. She attempted the double but was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100m. She finished in fifth place in the first of the three semis in 11.20. Anthonique Strachan was unfortunately injured in her 200m semi-final and was unable to advance.

Terrence Jones was disqualified in the preliminary round of the 200m.

Alonzo Russell finished in fifth place in his preliminary round of the 400m, just missing the cut for the semi-finals.

Donald Thomas failed to advance to the final of the high jump with his clearance of 2.22m.

Identical twin brothers Latario and Lathone Collie-Minns both fell short of the automatic qualifying mark of 17.10m (56-1 1/4) and one of the 12 spots in the men’s triple jump final – finishing 28th and 30th in field of 33 competitors.

Latario cleared his only mark of 16.26m (53-4 1/4) while Lathone leapt 15.89m (52-1 3/4).

Several Bahamian administrators were also recognised at the event. “The Ministry also proudly congratulates both coach Ronald Cartwright and Pauline Davis-Thompson on receiving the IAAF Veterans 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.”