St Vincent and the Grenadines female 800-metre national record holder and world number two over the same distance, Shafiqua Maloney touched down yesterday afternoon, March 18, 2024, at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) for a short visit home.

Maloney, who broke the 2-minute barrier earlier this year, is home to take care of some personal matters before returning to her home base in Arkansa, USA, to continue her preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

She was met at the airport by her manager, Renitta Peters-Morris. Maloney is expected to continue her training with a few sessions at the Diamond track, in addition to meeting representatives of sponsors, and government officials.

Already she has visited the Diamond track, and met there with president of Team Athletics SVG, Keith Joseph and her former coach, Michael Ollivierre. Following the airing in a regional sports television programme of the difficulties she was facing preparing for the Summer Olympics, Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves announced that the government and some financial entities will provide financial support to enable Maloney’s preparation for and participation in the Olympics. Last week, Coreas Hazells Inc, announced it was engaging in a $54,000 ‘strategic partnership’ with Maloney who will also be a brand ambassador for the company.