NASSAU, Bahamas — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) wishes to congratulate Shaunae Miller on her thrilling gold medal victory at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Millions of viewers were glued to their television sets and portable devices as Miller, 22, edged out her fellow competitors during the women’s 400-meter final to become the fastest female quarter-miler in the world.
Early in the race Miller, who was in lane seven, sprinted away from the pack.
However, American Allyson Felix caught up to her in what appeared to be a neck and neck battle until Miller dove over the finish line in a dramatic conclusion to the race. She won with a new personal best time and world leading time of 49.44 seconds.
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said Miller’s indomitable spirit and focus is an inspiration to Bahamians.
“Shaunae Miller has etched her name into history as one of the greatest Bahamian sprinters the world has ever seen. I take great pleasure, along with all Bahamians, in congratulating her on a hard fought victory,” he said.
“Today, Bahamians across our archipelago and the world are filled with love and admiration for Shaunae and the glory she has brought us.”
Wilchcombe added that Miller is now an official Tourism Ambassador having drawn the attention of millions around the world to The Bahamas.
“The Bahamas is fortunate to have a daughter who not only makes us proud but who inspires our people and will inspire people around the world to learn more about our country and hopefully to visit,” Wilchcombe said.
Stories about Miller’s exciting victory had an online media reach of 3.6 billion with a potential ad value of $33,590,428.40 as of Tuesday afternoon.
Minister Wilchcombe also congratulated all of the Bahamian athletes competing in Brazil.
Shaunae Miller was born in Nassau, Bahamas in 1994 and graduated from St. Augustine’s College.
She attended the University of Georgia before becoming a pro athlete.
This is The Bahamas’ 13th Olympic medal and sixth gold medal. It is also the second individual gold medal won by a Bahamian woman in the 400-meter race.
Tonique Williams won gold in the 400-meter final in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
This is also the second consecutive gold medal win for the country at the Olympics.
During post interviews Miller thanked God for her victory noting that, “I knew I had to get it. I knew I had to get the gold.”
