The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHAUNAE Miller said there’s no greater feeling for her than to be back at her “second home” at St Augustine’s College where she was honoured for her gold medal performance in the women’s 400 metres at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

One month ago on August 15, Miller dove across the finish line in in a personal best of 49.44 seconds to snatch the gold from American Allyson Felix, who had to settle for the silver in 49.51. Jamaican Shericka Jackson was the bronze medallist in 49.85.

“It’s an amazing feeling. It’s like my second home,” said Miller, who graduated from SAC in 2012 before she went on to compete in just her freshman year at the University of Georgia in 2013, only to abort that experience to turn pro the same year.

“I’m lost for words for the display that they put on for me. It’s just an amazing feeling. It’s just good to be back at my second home and get all of this love and attention. I just wanted to come back and inspire the kids and have some fun. They welcomed me back so well.”

Miller, 22, had one of her most impressive seasons this year, lowering the women’s national 200m record to 22.05 seconds on June 11 in Kingston, Jamaica, which at the time was the world-leading mark.

On July 22 in London, England, she also posted the world’s best time of 49.55 in the 400m and was highly regarded as a double threat going into Rio in the two events.

However, she only competed in the 400m, although she indicated in Rio that she wanted to run the 200m as well.

And even though she had a chance to become the second Bahamian to win the Diamond League’s 400m in Brussels over the weekend, following in the footsteps of national record holder Tonique Williams, who did it in 2004, Miller declined to comment on why she skipped the meet.

Her manager Claude Bryan issued a statement on her behalf, outlining that it was “fiscal in nature” and that Miller’s season “has effectively ended and she hopes for a healthy and successful 2017.”

Looking back at her performance, leaving her ranked on top of the chart in the 400m and now fifth in the 200m, Miller said she had an “amazing year” and she thanked God for taking her through it injury free.

“I had so much fun this year,” she said. “I did so many amazing things and I still have so much more left in the tank for next year. I just can’t wait to start competing again.

“But it’s always great to come back to SAC and this time, it’s an extra feeling to come here to celebrate as the Olympic champion.”

Miller’s celebrations came ahead of the joint Buttons Formal Wear, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Bahamas Olympic Committee’s recognition for Team Bahamas for the Rio Olympics 3pm Sunday at the Melia Hotel, Cable Beach.

For Miller, she intends to celebrate with her team-mates and enjoy the rest of the time here at home before she returns to Orlando, Florida to start her off season for the 2017 season.

One of her goals for 2017 is to attempt the much-anticipated 200/400 double going into the IAAF World Championships in London, England in August.

“We’re looking towards it,” she projected. “We’re looking at doing it next year. Obviously, it was unfortunate that I wanted to do it this year, but I wasn’t given it, so we’re really pushing towards it next year. We’re planning to go for it.”

In the meantime, Miller said she’s also working on her proposed married to Miacel Ubio from Polva Estonia after getting engaged this year.

“I’m having fun and we’re planning the wedding at the same time,” she insisted.

While here at home, Miller said she intend to visit a number of schools next week as well.