It’s all in the family for Uibo household
Doha, Oct. 4: Estonian decathlete Maicel Uibo and his wife, Bahamian runner Shaunae Miller-Uibo, had two reasons to celebrate after they each won a silver medal at the world athletics championships on Thursday. “Both medals at the same time, on the same night,” Uibo told reporters after his final event. “It’s double the joy.” Miller-Uibo, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist who had been favourite to win the 400 metres world title in Doha, finished second after Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain stunned her by running the third fastest time in the event’s history. As Miller-Uibo crossed the finish line, her husband was preparing to run the 1,500 metres, the tenth and final event in the decathlon. He came in third, giving him the overall silver medal. Uibo said his race preparations had prevented him from watching his wife’s race, but he was still keeping a close eye on the results.
“I was only able to refresh the results page as I was getting ready for my 1,500 metres,” the 26-year-old said.
“I’ve got to watch the real race in the replay later on.” Miller-Uibo then hung around the track by the finish line to watch her husband race.
“He was hoping for the gold,” the 25year-old told reporters separately after her event. “I knew he wasn’t quite that well in shape for his 1,500 metres, but
he gave it his all. I’m so proud of him.”
The couple, who had dominated their disciplines in the lead up to the Doha championships, took a joint walk along the track in the Khalifa International Stadium with their respective flags draped around their shoulders.
“As athletes we’re very competitive,” Uibo said. “We train together, we practice at the same time sometimes. It’s always a little bit competitive on the track and off the track.”
Maicel was hoping for the gold. I knew he wasn’t quite that well in shape for his 1,500 metres, but he gave it his all. I’m so proud of him. — SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, Bahamian runner, who is married to Estonian decathlete Maicel Uibo