Bahamas’ Steven Gardiner (centre) crossing the finish line in the Men’s 400m final to win the gold medal on Friday.
The urge to do ‘a little bit more’ for the Hurricane Dorian-hit Bahamas people drove Steve Gardiner of Bahamas to go the extra mile during his goal winning feat in the 400m IAAF World Championships on Friday.
After watching the destruction left behind a little over a month in his homeland of Abaco, Gardiner was eager to lifted the spirits of his compatriots and he did in splendid fashion at the Khalifa Stadium.
Gardiner soared to an roaring win.
The Bahamian, whose last one-lap defeat when completing a 400m race came when winning world silver at the 2017 World Championships, unleashed a devastating burst of speed over the last 150 metres to blow away his rivals and set a national record of 43.48.
Behind, Pan American champion Anthony Jose Zambrano lowered his personal best of 44.55 set in the heats to record a South American record of 44.15 for silver.
Fred Kerley, who recorded a time of 43.64 to win the US title in July, had to settle for bronze in 44.17.
“Hurricane Dorian was very devastating for my family and my island and I just wanted to go out there and do my best.
“I got messages from my friends and family who just wanted me to go out there and perform, but I wanted to do a little bit more.
“I had to fight for it but I was able to bring home a medal for my country. Thankfully I was able to get through the rounds perfectly and get where I am today.”
Gardiner said he had cut himself from the social media and ignore the negative things which were said about him on different forums.
“I didn’t feel any pressure because I don’t pay mind to social media and what people have to say. I know what I’m capable of doing and how hard I’ve been working in practice with my training partners and my coach. So I just want to mind my business and do what I had to do.”
Gardiner’s gold medal was the second one for the Carribean Island which was hit by a calamity at the start of September.
Earlier, team-mate Shaune Miller-Uibo got silver in the women’s 400m and Gardiner’s medla win motivated him to get another medal for his country.
“Kind of (motivated), yes. But she did her thing last night – a new area record, national record, personal best – so I didn’t feel any pressure. She spoke to me this evening in the lobby.
“We just wanted to go out there and make my country proud. I know they are. We both did what we came here to do and we’re both satisfied.”
