“Amazing” and “very humble” were the exact words that Steven Gardiner Sr. used to describe his son, Steven Gardiner Jr. Capturing the gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha in just 43.48 seconds made him one of the fastest men in the event. Later on, he became the first Bahamian man to win individual Olympic gold in any sport at the 2020 Olympics. Needless to say, Gardiner made his father proud with his performance in the 400m championships. But tragedy came crashing down on the eve of 11 August in Abaco. And the Olympian lost his proud father.
According to Our News Bahamas, the police confirmed a fatal accident in Abaco involving two men, one of whom is reportedly Steven Gardiner Sr. As per the reports, the men were traveling from Crown Haven, Little Abaco, when their truck slammed into a utility pole near Treasure Cay Airport.
While the Olympic medalist must have been heartbroken, his social media accounts haven’t confirmed anything yet.
But the president of BAAA (Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations), Drumeco Archer, offered condolences. “Steven Gardiner’s father, Steven Gardiner Sr., who died in a traffic accident last evening in Abaco along with another passenger. May the good Lord keep their souls warm. On behalf of the BAAA, we offer our condolences to Stevie and his family. May their souls rest in peace.”
Additionally, @shearer39 took to X and shared the unfortunate news with the track and field fans. “Same sad news to convey: Olympic and World Champion in the 400m Steven Gardiner lost his dad in a motor vehicle accident last night. Keep him your thoughts and prayers #tragedy #stevengardiner #fatherdied.”
Same sad news to convey: Olympic and World Champion in the 400m Steven Gardiner lost his dad in a motor vehicle accident last night. Keep him your thoughts and prayers #tragedy #stevengardiner #fatherdied
— leighton (@shearer39) August 11, 2025
Soon after the sports journalist and content editor for SportsMax shared the post on X, the track and field world went to the comments section to offer their prayers.
Fans express heartfelt sorrow as Steven Gardiner loses his father to an unfortunate event
Most of the fans were quick to assess the situation and offered their condolences to Steven Gardiner and his family. One fan commented, “Sorry for Steven’s loss of his dad, my thoughts n prayers are with him n the entire family.”
Another fan wrote, “Geezzzz, this is painful. Condolences to him and his family.”
The prayers for Gardiner’s father kept flowing, as one commented, “Thanks for sharing. Prayers goes out to steven and his family on the loss of his dad.”
It was nothing short of heartwrenching news. With the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships right around the corner, Gardiner received a shock that no athlete should experience. And the fans sympathized with the Olympic gold medalist. One fan wrote, “Oh no sorry to hear.”
Another exclaimed, “Oh noooooo!” Every single sentiment implied how heartbroken the entire community is.
A comment read, “Wow, really sad indeed.”
Now, the question is – How intensely is Steven Gardiner affected by his father’s untimely demise? Will he still compete at the 2025 World Championships? While there’s no official reports around that, looking at his injury-ridden journey in the past, and now this tragedy, it might be unlikely.
But hope still burns bright as we extend our condolences to the Gardiner family.
The post “Prayers Go Out”: Track Community Heartbroken as Olympian Steven Gardiner Loses Father in Horrific Accident appeared first on EssentiallySports.