Paris Olympics 800m finalist Shafiqua Maloney was celebrated during a welcome home ceremony at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, where it was announced that she would receive USD $10,000 in recognition of her outstanding performance at the Games.

Maloney delivered a remarkable performance in the 800m final at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth with a time of 1:57.66. In a fiercely contested race, Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson clinched gold in 1:56.72, followed by Ethiopia's Tisge Duguma, who secured silver in a lifetime best of 1:57.15, and Kenya's Mary Moraa, who claimed bronze in 1:57.42. Maloney's near-podium finish was a significant achievement, especially considering the financial challenges she faced during her preparation for the Olympics.

The St Vincent Times reported that during the ceremony, Maloney reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude to those who supported her along the way. "This journey was not an easy one, but the support I received made all the difference," she said. With her sights set on further success, Maloney spoke about the road ahead and her aspirations for medals at the 2028 Olympics.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves praised Maloney for her perseverance and announced that the government would present her with USD $10,000 in recognition of her accomplishments and the pride she has brought to the nation.

Maloney's achievements have also earned her a place in the SVG delegation at the upcoming United Nations meeting, where she will accompany Prime Minister Gonsalves as he delivers his speech. This opportunity marks another milestone in her growing profile as a prominent athlete and representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A grand celebration has been planned for Maloney on October 9th, where the nation will come together to honor her accomplishments and contributions to Vincentian sports. Her performance at the Paris Olympics, coupled with her resilience and ambition, has cemented her status as a national hero and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.