media_artricles :: 2017

Richards dedicates 2017 success to mom Yvette

JEREEM RICHARDS, who bagged a pair of medals at the recently-concluded IAAF World Championships in London, England (gold in the men's 4x400-metre relay and bronze in the men's 200m), was given a hero's welcome upon his return home, at the Piarco International Airport yesterday.

It was a greeting which began with a formal presentation of the sprinter to the media at the airport's VIP Lounge followed by an open meeting with the public which produced a Carnival-like atmosphere for the athlete. 

It was a joyous and emotional occasion, for not only Richards and his family, but also the numerous Government officials, fans and well-wishers in attendance. 

Richards, from New Village in Point Fortin, was welcomed by his mother Yvette Wilson and sister Brittney Richards at the VIP Lounge. 

"I wanted to dedicate this year to her in track and field and bring back this medal for her," said the 23-year-old of his mother. 

Also greeting Richards were Minister of Sport Daryll Smith, Point Fortin's Member of Parliament (MP) and National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, TTOC (Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee) president Brian Lewis and chairman of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) Dinanath Ramnarine. 

Richards was full of gratitude, thanking his family and, by extension, Trinidad and Tobago, for their undying support. He is also hopeful for a continued support of track and field. 

"We have a lot of good athletes coming up and we really need and deserve the support of Trinidad and Tobago, not just when we get to major championships but in the stadiums for senior champs and the track meets," he said. 

Richards expressed his views on his World Championships performance saying, " I would say that my World Championship experience was a great one. I've been having a really good year. God has really blessed me this year and my prayers and my family's prayers have been answered because I worked so hard last year after the Olympics. And, to achieve so much this year, it's overwhelming but at the same time to know that I prayed for something and it actually came through you know that God is real and He works in mysterious ways." 

Richards also extended his appreciation towards the medical staff, the team staff and the coaches who played a vital part in his success in the Championships. 

Lewis lauded the efforts of every single athlete at the Games. "We undervalue and under-appreciate how much effort it takes to stand at the top of that podium." 

He noted the great demands and expectations now set for the athletes and encouraged them to use their experiences at London to motivate them onwards to greater success. 

Minister Smith emphasised the importance of acknowledging the progress made, as at the last World Championships in 2015, in Beijing, China, "we had four people in the final, and now, we have five." 

He asked for the patience and support of Trinidad and Tobago. "We need this kind of positivity in the country, especially among our young people," Smith said. 

And the Sports Minister also took the time to thank non-Governmental organisations for the role they play in supporting local sport.

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