By Clayton Clarke

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: (Saturday, August, 20th): “Simply Golden” are the words used to describe the performance of the record breaking national women’s 4x400m team by Bahamas’ first Olympic female Olympic champion and former national 400m record holder, Pauline Davis-Thompson. The quartette of Lanece Clarke, Anthonique Strachan, Carmeisha Cox and Christine Amertil raced to a new Bahamian record of 3:26.36 on the eighth night of Athletics at the João Havelange Olympic Stadium. They lowered the previous mark of 3:28.46 by just over two seconds. The team competing at the Olympic for the first time, achieved the new mark without the input of 400m champion Shaunae Miller who did not compete. Davis-Thomson was ecstatic about the accomplishment. “What a courageous effort by our women. They are the first Bahamas 4x400m women relay team to compete in the Olympics and on top of that they smashed the national record.” She added that she was moved to tears.
“My eyes were filled with water and I was so happy for our country and our ladies. They didn't make the finals and they will not win a medal but in my eyes, they were simply golden.” She added that their efforts should be an inspiration to all Bahamians. “All of us who sat in awe watching were spell bound by their Herculean effort. Thank you for renewing my faith that some of you athletes do not just put on The Bahamas’ uniform and run but that you embody what it truly means to be a Bahamian.

Davis-Thompson is in Rio attending the Games. She is a member of the IAAF Council.