Vincentian Olympian Shafiqua Maloney has secured a major endorsement deal with 1st National Bank, joining the institution as a Brand Ambassador for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the 25-year-old middle-distance runner, who finished fourth in the 800m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite enduring financial struggles throughout her preparation for the Games.
The announcement follows 1st National Bank’s re-signing of Saint Lucian Olympic champion Julien Alfred late last year, further reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting Caribbean athletes. For Maloney, this partnership represents a significant milestone.
Maloney’s two-year partnership with 1st National Bank will see her playing an active role in promoting the bank’s brand in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The endorsement deal also provides much-needed financial support, ensuring that she has the resources to continue competing at the highest level as she sets her sights on future championships.
“This partnership means so much to me,” she said. “First, it’s a recognition of my hard work that such an institution would want to partner with me to promote their message. Second, to be affiliated with a brand that Julien Alfred, the Olympic Champion, also bears is even more exciting but also motivating. And third, it helps me to further promote my platform, which I am extremely grateful for.”
Tishanna Jeffers, the Marketing and Communications Manager at 1st National Bank, emphasized the importance of the collaboration.
“This partnership with Shafiqua is truly a significant milestone,” Jeffers said. “1st National Bank, being an indigenous bank, is committed to the uplifting of our islands’ people and their development. Sports is an avenue that supports this cause, and we will continue to do our part to ensure this message is well received. This partnership with Shafiqua is not only to help cement the bank’s position with the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines but also to show them our commitment, as we have done in Saint Lucia.”
Maloney has steadily built a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier middle-distance athletes. She holds Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ national record in the 800m for both indoor and outdoor events. Beyond her achievements on the track, she is also highly accomplished academically, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and a Master’s in Operations Management.
Her athletic journey has been shaped by a unique educational experience. She attended Thomas Saunders Secondary School in Saint Vincent before transferring to Verchilds High School in St. Kitts, where she completed her secondary education. Her dedication to sport and country has also been recognized on a national level—she was named a Sporting Ambassador for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the country’s 45th Independence Celebrations in 2024. Additionally, she had the honour of serving as her country’s Olympic flag bearer in both the 2020 and 2024 Games.