The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TIMOTHY Munnings did it again and he will return home from his second appearance at the World Masters Athletics Championships with another gold medal.

The 60-year-old Munnings, competing yesterday in his third event and second final at the championships in Daegu, South Korea, secured the 400 metres title in the men's 60-64 age group in a time of 56.24 seconds.

As he took command of the one-lap race coming off the final bend, Munnings had to dig deep to hold off Germany's Roland Groger, who finished in 56.46 for the silver. Erwin Thibau of Belgium got the bronze in 56.96.

"This medal means a lot to me because of everything that goes into getting to this point, including the training, the sacrifices, the setbacks, the doubts, and all the people who have supported me along the way," Munnings told The Tribune after the race. 

"At this stage of my career, to still be able to compete at this level and standing on top of the podium is something I will never take for granted," he said.

With triple appearances at the week-long championships, Munnings fell short of advancing out of the first round of the 100 metres and was one spot away from getting into the final in the 200 metres.

But the winner of his first title in his last appearance in the men's 400m in the 55-59 category in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2024, Munnings said he came to Daegu with one purpose in mind and that was to win his specialty again.

In achieving this feat, Munnings added the crown to a ledger that includes the world indoor and outdoor records he accomplished over the past two years. 

"This gold medal is for The Bahamas, my supporters, my family, my coach, and everyone who believed in me," he stated. 

He thanked his wife, who was an excellent manager, ensuring he stayed on schedule in every aspect from eating on time, training, warming up and getting to the call room on time. "I also thank my son, Tim Jr, who coordinated all the travel and accommodation logistics," Munnings noted. "He also surprised me by making the trip, adding extra support for the manager."

Overall, Munnings said it was a great experience. 

"Many competitors and supporters from different countries extended congratulations to me and stated how impressive they felt I did," Munnings said.

As the lone representative for The Bahamas, Munnings said he hopes his performance inspires somebody else to keep believing in themselves, regardless of age or circumstance. 

"Never stop fighting, never stop believing, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t," he said.

His local coach Bernard Newbold was extremely pleased with Munnings' performance, calling it an extraordinary achievement for Munnings and a proud moment for The Bahamas.

"His transition from the 55–59 age group, where he became the world indoor champion and world record holder both indoors and outdoors, into the 60-64 division has been remarkable," Newbold said. 

"This gold medal reflects his discipline, consistency and commitment to excellence."

Through his successes, Munnings, the former Olympic and World Championship medallist as a member of the men's 4 x 400m relay team, is encouraging more former athletes to become involved in the Masters Athletics programme. 

"Masters competition begins at age 35, and there is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to remain active, competitive and connected to the sport," Munnings stated.

The former director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, now employed in a different capacity at the Ministry of Health, said he's looking forward to returning home to share his accomplishments in his celebrations with the Bahamian people.

Munnings' medal placed The Bahamas tied with Iraq, Grenada, Benin and Ecuador with one gold each on the chart that was led by the United States of America with 75 gold, 52 silver and 49 bronze for a total of 176 medals.