tidings
Jereem Richards won his second gold medal in the 200m at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday. –
Jereem Richards broke his personal best and a meet record on his way to defending his men’s 200m title at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England on Saturday.
Richards, who previously had a personal best of 19.83 seconds, won the race in 19.80.
It obliterated the previous Commonwealth Games record of 19.97, held by Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks since 1994.
Zharnel Hughes of England won silver in 20.12 and Joseph Amoah of Ghana won bronze in 20.49.
The gold medal run by Richards was the TT’s fourth of the Commonwealth Games and a week after cyclist Nicholas Paul won gold in the men’s keirin event.
Paul also won a silver and a bronze medal at the games.
Richards, in an interview shortly after winning the race with SportsMax, recalled his former TT teammate Deon Lendore.
Lendore, a former top 400-meter runner, died in a car accident in Texas in January. Richards and Lendore were part of the men’s 4x400m TT quartet which won gold at the 2019 World Relays.
“Boy, I know Deon is smiling right now,” Richards said.
Since Landor’s death, Richards has dedicated several of his races to him.
Richards hopes a version of the national anthem will be played at the medal ceremony on Sunday at 5 a.m. local time.
“I have a request. If anyone from this meeting could hear it, I’d love to hear the national anthem in steel… that would make my day. That’s my favorite hymn, that of the pan,” he said.
Former TT Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis said the pan version of the anthem is supposed to be played at all medal ceremonies for TT athletes. He said that the International Olympic Committee has accepted the pan version of the anthem which was performed by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra.
“I am advised that it was an error by the Commonwealth Games Federation and Birmingham 2022 that the pan version was not played for Nicholas Paul’s gold medal ceremony,” Lewis said.
Lewis said the TT team in Birmingham, led by chief of mission Diane Henderson, will put measures in place to ensure the pan version is played.
Richards thanked his support team after the race.
“Everyone helped me this year. I had a great team, a great support team, my family and friends.”
After the race, Richards’ sister, Brittney Richards-Nelson, wrote on social media, “Forged by the love of freedom. I feel so proud.”
Richards was quick out of the blocks and going into the final 100 meters it was clearly a two man race between Richards and Hughes.
Richards had a strong finish as usual and with 40 meters to go the race was over as he opened up a huge lead to win comfortably.
Richards was proud of the start he got.
“In terms of starting, I’ve been working on it for a while now and now I have the confidence and I have the ability to do it.”
Richards controversially won the 200m gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
TT’s Jereem Richards celebrates winning gold alongside bronze medalist Paul Amoah of Ghana, left, and silver medalist Zharnel Hughes of England, right, after the 200m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on Saturday. – AP PHOTO
In the closing stages of the race, Hughes blocked Richards with his arm.
Hughes, who thought he had won the gold medal, was disqualified and Richards was awarded the gold medal after initially finishing in second place.
There was no chance of a repeat of the 2018 controversy as Richards and Hughes did not run alongside each other in Saturday’s final.
Asked if he came to Birmingham on a mission, Richards said: “I’ve been on a mission. I was very conservative all round and just wanted to make a statement. Coach told me to throw the hammer in the final and that’s what I wanted to do, just throw the hammer.”
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Just over two weeks ago, Richards finished sixth in the 2022 World Athletics Championships 200m final in 20.08.
He said the Commonwealth gold makes up for the disappointment at the World Championships.
“It definitely makes up for it a lot. To leave here with a personal best (and) so close to a national record once again. I’ll take it off for a while. God’s time is the best time, but I’m just happy. The two main meetings for this season have ended. Mentally, a huge weight has been lifted off my chest.”
Speaking more about the 200m national record of 19.77, held by Ato Boldon since 1997, Richards said: “It might be gone this season (because) I’ve still got a few meets to finish but the main focus is to keep going to run fast and stay healthy. I want to get the record, but it’s not the main focus, it will come when the time comes.”
The Prime Minister congratulated Richards on his achievement.
“Golden champion for Jereem. Congratulations to Jereem Richards on defending his men’s 200m title at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England,” said Dr Rowley.
In a statement to the media, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe said: “Jereem achieved a personal best, winning gold and defending his 200m title in Birmingham. This is a great moment for sports and the athletic world is celebrating right now. It is with great pride that our entire ministry, government as well as the local sports fraternity join in celebrating Mr. Richard’s latest victory.”
The Minister of Sports also appreciated the important contribution of TT athletes.
“The TTO team continues to proudly fly our country’s colors around the world and we salute them for their exemplary efforts, courage and determination. You never cease to be an inspiration to the next generation of athletes and youth.”
TT Olympian Alvin Daniel, who shares a close relationship with Richards, was delighted for the 200m champion.
Daniel said, “I know he would win.”
Both Richards and Daniel are residents of Pt Fortin.
“I watched Jereem’s training. I went to see him at Mahaica Oval. He asked me to come down and check on him… he could handle the workload.”
Daniel said Richards will be “on top of the world very soon”.
Daniel believes Richards can get an Olympic medal one day. “Definitely (he has potential). I think he is one of our best chances at the next Olympics.”
