Bahamian Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg has congratulated Bahamian athletes on their performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games.

For the first time in 36 years, the nation failed to win a medal at the Olympics but, nevertheless, Bowleg has offered his congratulations to those who represented the country at the global athletics showcase, noting how difficult it is to even qualify to participate.

“The Bahamas has a proud and storied history at the Olympics, and this year, our athletes continued to build on that rich tradition,” he said in a statement.

“While winning medals is often seen as the pinnacle of success, it’s crucial to recognize that qualifying for the Olympics is an extraordinary achievement in itself. Only a small percentage of athletes worldwide earn the chance to compete on this prestigious stage. Reaching this level is a testament to the unparalleled dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of our Bahamian athletes,” he added.

He continued, “becoming an Olympian is a monumental achievement in itself, regardless of whether one wins a medal. It reflects years of grit, sweat, hard work, and relentless training. Olympians are those who have earned the right to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage, displaying exceptional athletic prowess and representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship.”

Bowleg specially congratulated Devynne Charlton who finished sixth in the Women's 100m hurdles final. The World Indoor champion and record holder was the only Bahamian to advance to a final.

“She showed grit, determination, and true Bahamian spirit on that track. Keep shining and inspiring us all. Your journey is far from over.”

He also praised Charisma Taylor for reaching the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles and Denisha Cartwright, whom he said has a promising future.

The minister lauded swimmers Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs for representing the nation in the aquatics events.

He also praised returning Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and made special mention of Ken Mullings, the first Bahamian decathlete, and Wayna McCoy, the first Bahamian to reach the 200m semi-final.

Also recognized by Bowleg was Mancer Roberts Sr, technical director of Bahamas Aquatics, as the first Bahamian to serve as one of 26 officials in the swimming competition.

He also noted that Bahamas Aquatics President Algernon Cargill presented medals to the 4x200m freestyle male relay winners, and former athlete Mike Sands presented medals to the men’s 400m and women’s triple jump finalists.

Jamaica’s Sabrina Lyn, Bahamas’ Rhanishka Gibbs and St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ Kennice Aphenie Greene were all eliminated at the preliminary stage of the women’s 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics on Saturday morning at the Paris La Defense Arena.

Greene, 17, was the first of the trio to compete, producing a time of 27.23 to finish third in heat number five.

The 20-year-old Lyn and 18-year-old Gibbs both lined up in the seventh heat and finished fifth and sixth with times of 26.08 and 26.27, respectively.

Lyn was the highest placed of the three in the overall standings after the heats in 29^th while Gibbs and Greene came in at 31^st and 42^nd, respectively.

Only the top 16 swimmers advanced to the semifinals.