Mom promises favourite dishes for Jereem

Twenty-three year old Richards of New Village, Point Fortin, captured TT ’s first medal (bronze) at the IAAF World Championships in London, England when he placed third in the 200 metres yesterday afternoon.

The family members all gathered at the home of his aunt Joy Wilson in Fanny Village, Point Fortin to view the much anticipated race. Before the race, they all joined hands in prayer, making intercession for the success of their “boy” at the Games.

Moments before the start of the race, everyone rushed for a seat on the sofas in front of the television, eager to see their “baby boy” shine at the Championships.

At 4.52 pm, the pistol sounded and the race was on. Family members were off their seats and in front of the television screen, jumping and screaming, cheering Richards on as he sprinted to the finish line.

Jereem was seen pushing himself, getting the extra edge to secure a place in the final three.

Mommy, granny, sister, aunties, cousins and other relatives crowded the living room jumping, screaming and pumping their Trinidad and Tobago flag as Jereem shot across the finish line.

Out of excitement and pure happiness, one of Jereem’s relatives burst her lip as she fell to the ground screaming for joy.

Jereem’s family gave a heartfelt thanks to God for his success.

“Jereem I am so proud of you, mommy loves you!” were the words uttered out of Yvette’s lips as she nearly wept for joy over her son’s success and then drinks were served as the celebrations continued.

Richards’ time was 20.11(.107) seconds, placing him third, while second place went to Wayde Van Niekerk of Jamaica with 20.11(.106) seconds and first place went to Ramil Guliyev of Turkey with 20.09 seconds.

Proud mother Yvette, speaking afterwards, said her son qualifying for the IAAF World Championships was no surprise for her since his interest in running piqued from the age of seven.

She recalls his first athletic club was Point Fortin Civic Center Jets but, due to financial difficulties, he was forced to quit; but he never gave up hope. He joined Quantum Athletics before its closure then proceeded to do his SAT’s examination at Abilene Wildcats where he won a scholarship to study at South Plane College Texas.

Once again Richards excelled during his study there as he studied sports media alongside his sports career through which he attained the most valuable athlete with a time of 19.9.

Jereem’s older sister Brittney Richards said his perseverance finally paid off .

Commenting on Jereem’s placing, one Point Fortin resident said, “I did not know the athlete, but he could have done better.

However, I am proud of Jereem, he made Point Fortin proud and it is better to try and fail than to fail to try.” Resident Micah Edwards said, “I didn’t know the man but I am happy for him.” When asked for views on Richards success, Ramsajan Lalchan said, “I felt good, I am proud of him however I never heard of the athlete before today.” Family, friends and well wishers in his community await his arrival home with bated breath.