Alpheus Finlayson for the IAAF
14 October 2000 - The day had been eagerly awaited by a proud nation ever since the Bahamian population had woken up from 4:00am the morning of September 30th to witness live the victory of the Bahamian Golden Girls in the 4x100m relay at the Sydney Olympics. The return of our Golden Girls was expected to be special, and so it was.
The remainder of the Bahamian Olympic Team arrived on Bahamasair, the nation’s Flag Carrier from Ft. Lauderdale. On arrival fire engines saluted the aircraft with showers.
The Golden Girls include Eldece Clarke-Lewis who ran in the preliminary rounds in Sydney, Sevatheda Fynes who had a blazing start in the final round, Chandra Sturrup who ran the second leg, Pauline Davis-Thompson, who won a silver medal in the 200m, ran the third leg, and Debbie Ferguson who anchored against Marion Jones, Merlene Ottey, and Christine Aaron.
At the airport was the Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson along with other members of the Cabinet, Sports officials and fans as well as family members of the Team.
On arrival the world famous Royal Bahamas Police Band played the tune "Oh What a Feeling", a song written after the success of our Golden Girls in Seville, Spain at last year’s IAAF World Championships.
There was an official welcome in the VIP Lounge and the athletes were feted to a motorcade around the island.
That evening there was a Golden Rally at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium which was filled with thousands who stood in the rain to hear the Deputy Prime Minister announce what athletes would be given for their fantastic performances. Government improved from the package that provided after the 1999 IAAF World Championships.
The next day the Golden Girls toured the schools they attended in Nassau, much to the liking of the students. Athlete after athlete encouraged them to strive for excellence, especially in education. At the alma mater of Eldece Clarke-Lewis and Pauline Davis-Thompson, Government High School, the patriotic song "I vow to thee my country" was performed.
The Bahamas Olympic Association feted the entire team to lunch along with several sponsors at the newly renovated British Colonial Hilton downtown Nassau.
That evening there was an ecumenical service of Thanksgiving organised by the Bahamas Christian Council.
On Saturday members of the team will be signing autographs. On Monday they will travel to Grand Bahama, pay a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister and be hosted to an elegant evening at Government House.
Already three additional songs have been recorded after the success of the 2000 Bahamas Olympic Team.