Steven Gardiner became the second Bahamian to be crowned men’s 400 metres world champion when he stormed to victory in Doha on Friday.
The 24-year-old, a silver medallist in 2017, timed a national record of 43.48 seconds to emulate compatriot Avard Moncur who triumphed in 2001.
“Crossing the line in first place with a new personal best and a national record — the best feeling ever right now,” said Gardiner.
“There was no pressure, I got a lot of messages from family and friends and fans back home.
“They told me to go do my best. They’ll be proud of me.
“I wanted to give them a bit more than my best. I wanted to be a world champion and here I am now.”
Colombia’s PanAm Games champion Anthony Zambrano took silver in 44.15sec while Fred Kerley of the United States was third in a time of 44.17sec.
Gardiner timed his run to perfection as Grenada’s 2011 champion Kirani James hared away from the blocks and down the back straight.
However, James — hugely talented but plagued by illness in recent years — tied up going into the curve.
Kerley went to make his move but Gardiner had him covered and passed his rival to emerge into the straight the clear leader.
Zambrano, 21, finished like a train and took second off Kerley with James fading to finish fifth.
Kerley’s failure to win saw the Americans miss out on a first ever sweep of the men’s 100/200/400 and 800m world titles.
They have only won the 400m once in the last five editions — LaShawn Merritt in 2013.
