The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN his fastest season opener ever, Bahamian 400 metre world champion Steven Gardiner took the men’s 200m at the 15th Annual Spring Break Classic in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

He sped to victory in 20.24 seconds for a world-leading time and meet record at the three-day event that concluded on Saturday.

The 25-year old’s performance came off two indoor meetings in the USA earlier this year. He finished well ahead of Asa Guevara of Trinidad and Tobago, who got second in 20.98 in the NACAC-permit meet, which attracted athletes from 14 countries.

“It was amazing,” said Gardiner of his performance.

“It was my fastest opener in the 200 metres ever, so it was great.”

Looking back at the race, Gardiner said his intention was to just get out and do his best.

“It’s been a long year since last year because of COVID-19, so I went out there taking it easily and waited to finish strong on the home stretch.”

The Bahamian national record holder at 19.75, set on April 7, 2018 at the Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida, said his performance puts him in a great spot as he prepares for the 400m where his national record is listed at 43.48 that he posted in winning the World Championship title in 2019 in Doha, Qatar.

“This was a good test to go out there and see where I’m at after being in practice so long since the indoor season,” said Gardiner, who had his best showing indoors in the 200m in 20.71 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center in Virginia Beach on February 6.

“I’m a pretty good space and pretty good condition going into the rest of the season. I’m not sure when I will compete again, but this has prepared me well for it.”

The lanky 6-foot, 3-inch Abaco native, who started his track career under coach Anthony Williams in Moores Island in the 200m, will be looking to add an Olympic medal to his collection when he heads to Tokyo, Japan. The Olympics open on July 23.