The Tribune

IN WHAT can only be described as an historic moment, Atlantis was the site of a meeting between the Bahamas’ original Golden Knight Sir Durwood Knowles and the 2012 4x400 men’s Olympic gold medallists Chris Brown, Michael Mathieu, Demetrius Pinder and Ramon Miller.

Joined by former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest, Sir Durward and the country’s newest additions to Olympic gold medal history posed for a photo in the lobby of the Royal Towers at Atlantis Thursday morning, amidst a swarm of well-wishers.

“I’m 95 years old and I waited this length of time to see this come true. The Bahamas is proud of them and we want to remain proud of them . . . I‘m here today to show my appreciation to what they’ve done and how proud we are of them,” said Sir Durward.

Sir Durward obtained Gold Knight status at the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan placing first in the Star Class for sailing with his partner Cecil Cooke.

Brown, Mathieu, Pinder and Miller won the hearts of Bahamians and many the world over when they competed in and won the men’s 4x400 relay at the 2012 London Games.

That win made history for the Bahamas and ended the United State’s Olympic win streak in that event (the Americans have won that event since 1972, missing only the boycotted Moscow Games in 1980) with the third fastest time ever for the Olympics.

Overwhelmed by the positive reception received post Olympics, the 2012 Golden Knights agree that Thursday morning’s meeting was surreal.

“It’s a joy and a pleasure just to be in the same environment with him,” said Chris Brown.

Ramon Miller added: “He set the trend for us and hopefully the younger generation will continue it so we can get more gold medals for the men.”

In appreciation of their amazing feat, Atlantis is hosting the 2012 Golden Knights to a complimentary six night stay in a Regal Suite of the Royal Towers, including a personal butler and VIP services, daily breakfast and dinner at Marketplace Restaurant, access to the Aquaventure water park, a deep tissue massage at the luxurious Mandara Spa, dolphin interactions at Dolphin Cay, and admission to Aura Night Club, complete with VIP treatment.