By BRENT STUBBS 

Chief Sports Editor 

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Tim Munnings captured The Bahamas’ first medal at the World Masters Athletic Championships yesterday in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Competing in the men’s 55-plus 200 metre final, Munnings clinched the bronze in a season’s best of 23.83.

The gold went to Great Britain’s Darren Scott in 23.63 with Spain’s Pablo Artero getting the silver in his season’s best of 23.77.

“Winning a medal here is a great feeling,” said Munnings, who is a part of a three-member team representing the Bahamas. “I really had my sights set on the gold medal, but the competition was very stiff.

“All of the finalists in the call room before the race knew that it would be a tough race so everybody had their game face on.”

Munnings came out of the semifinal with the third fastest qualifying time of 24.81 after winning his heat. Artero posted the fastest qualifying time of 24.62 with Scott settling for the second fastest in 24.70.

Looking back at his performance, Munnings said it was great.

“Each round in the heats and semifinals, I ran faster, setting season’s bests along the way,” he said.

“My recovery was excellent after each round and there was no sign of any pain, injury or stiffness.

“This gave me increased confidence that I would perform well in the final. Unfortunately, I had a slow start, which I must continue to work on to improve on.”

Miriam Byfield was scheduled to compete in the women’s 35-and-over 200m semifinals to determine if she advanced to the final, but the results were unavailable up to press time last night. Munnings will be right back to compete in his specialty in the men’s 400m, along with Mike Armbrister, the senior member of the team, who will compete in the men’s 65-plus division.

“After a day’s rest and recovery, I am sure I will be ready to tackle the 400m,” Munnings said.

“My improved 200m time should help me to remain competitive throughout the rounds.”