The Tribune

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

HIGH praises have continued to rain down on Devynne Charlton, the newest 60 metres hurdles world indoor record holder.

She has not only garnered the attention of those within the track and field community but also the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, which will award her $10,000 for her remarkable feat as announced yesterday by Minister Mario Bowleg in the House of Assembly.

Clocking 7.67 at the Millrose Games over the weekend, Charlton broke the 16-year-old record of 7.68 seconds that was set by Susanna Kallur in Germany in 2008.

The World Indoor silver medallist not only etched her name in the history books but also took down her previous national record of 7.75 seconds previously set in January.

For Minister Bowleg, this major accomplishment could not go unnoticed.

“In recognition of her outstanding accomplishment it is my honour to announce that my minis- try will be presenting Ms Devynne Charlton with a $10,000 token of appreciation. Madam Speaker, this is just a small gesture compared to the magnitude of her achievement but it symbolises our unwavering support and admiration for her remarkable talent and dedication,” the minister said.

Minister Bowleg added that Charlton’s latest achievement is truly a testament that sports can change lives. “Devynne joined the scores of other Bahamians who continue to make us all proud. This triumph is not just for Devynne but for every Bahamian as her success fills us with immense pride and inspiration that we are on our way up.

“Devynne’s remarkable victory is a showing of her dedication and resilience. With her recent achievements, she has set a new standard of excellence and demonstrated to the world the limitless potential of Bahamian athletes,” he said.

After her record-setting performance in New York, Charlton joins a short list of Bahamians who set world records, including Danny Smith, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Steven Gardiner and Thomas Robinson.

The Tribune Sports Female Athlete of the Month (January) has been on a tear since the start of her indoor season. She opened the season with a world-leading time of 7.88 seconds in the 60mH at the Rod McCravy Memorial Track and Field Meet in Louisville, Kentucky. The 28-year-old then followed

up this performance by lowering her previous national record of 7.81 seconds achieved in 2022 at the World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia.

However, none of those showings could compare to the latest feat claimed by Charlton. With brilliant showings at her last few events, hopes are high for the hurdler ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

“As we stand on the brink of the 2024 Olympics, Devynne’s victory serves as a testament of hope and motivation for our entire nation. We are more than confident that she will continue to soar to greater heights,

representing The Bahamas with grace and distinction on the world stage.

“On behalf of the entire nation, I extend my heart- felt congratulations to you. May your success inspire generations to come and may you continue to make us proud as you embark on your journey to the Olympic Games and beyond,” Minister Bowleg said.

Ahead of the Paris Olympic Games will be the World Athletics Indoor Championships March 1-3 at the Commonwealth Arena in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Expectations are high for the newest world indoor record holder.