The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

During the inaugural International Amateur Athletic Federation World Relays, Ramon Miller suffered an injury competing in the heats of the men’s 4x400 metre relay and he wasn’t aware of how severe it was until he had to withdraw from the final.

Further evaluation determined that Miller fractured his little toe on his left foot.

As the second IAAF World Relays is fast approaching, Miller is putting the past behind him and he’s eagerly looking forward to making his contribution to Team Bahamas this year.

“As you may know, injuries is apart of sports. It’s how it is dealt with that either breaks you or makes you,” Miller said. “On that note, recovery is great. I’ve been back in training since September of last year.”

And to say that he’s not taking advantage of the past four months to recuperate is an understatement. He is fully aware of what is at stake.

“I love representing my country, the Bahamas,” he said. “I wouldn’t miss it if the opportunity sees fit.”

Putting that into perspective, Miller said there’s nothing left for him to do than to get ready to compete.

“My expectations are always high with Team Bahamas,” he said. “Let’s go out there, have fun and compete at one hundred per cent and everything will fall into place.”

In preparation for the upcoming season, Miller, who is based in the Bahamas (unlike the majority of his teammates, who are in the United States), should be ready to get back into action very shortly.

“I’m back in action now, but as for competing, I say by mid March because of the early schedule of the relays this year,” he said. “I’ll have to get going a bit early.”

Now trained by Tyrone Burrows, the former NAIA multiple champion for Dickinson State has a personal best of 44.87 seconds in the 400m to his credit and he’s also quick at the half-lap, having ran 20.50. But with each season, he expects to run faster.

“I always set expectations each year,” he said. “My goals are to improve my 400m as well as my 200m times. Firstly, I want to get back where I left off prior to my injury and then making the various teams - World Relays, World Championships and Pan Am Games.”

This is particularly a special time for Miller. He is still enjoying his honeymoon with his wife, Cindy, but three days after Valentine’s Day, he will be celebrating his 28th birthday today.

“Nothing has really changed. My wife knows the routine. She’s not new to me she’s been around a while, so balancing is smooth,” he said.

As for any celebrations for Tuesday, Miller quickly explained: “I have practice first, but I don’t know what my wife is doing. I’m gearing up for the season. I don’t party during this time.”

With Team Bahamas falling short of beating the United States in the showdown for the 1,600m relay without him, Miller wants nothing else than to be able to come back and delight the home fans this time around like he did when he anchored the team to victory at the London Olympics in 2012.

“It a great feeling the relays are here in the Bahamas again. It gives us Bahamian athletes the opportunity to show the Bahamas what we are made of,” he stated.

“Plus it gives the Bahamian people something to look forward for meeting and seeing some of the world’s fastest athletes in person.”

But as far as Team Bahamas is concerned, “we always stand a chance,” he said. “We all love to compete and I think it’s what gives us the edge in becoming a winner. We will fight until the end.”

And with the relays on home soil, Miller said he knows the public will be behind them.

“Last year it was an amazing feeling to feel my Bahamian people cheering us on. And I want to see even more come out and support this year rain or shine,” he said. “I want to say to them, thanks for supporting us athletes.”

After completing his stellar collegiate eligibility at Dickinson State, Miller came home and was still able to compete at a high level, representing the Bahamas at the various international meets.

After graduating from Dickinson State with numerous honours, Miller returned to the Bahamas and continued to train. He went to represent the Bahamas at both the IAAF World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Quite a remarkable feat, considering that the majority of his top compatriots did it by remaining in the United States as their home base.

Had it not been for the injury last year, the question still lingers as the second Word Relays approaches, whether or not the Bahamas would have been able to pull off another upset as they did with Miller on anchor at the Olympics in London in 2012.

• SEE SPORTS ON MONDAYS FOR THE IAAF BAHAMAS WORLD RELAYS COUNTDOWN PREVIEW