T&T sprinter Jereem Richards won the 400m event with a season-best at the 2019 Louisiana State University (LSU) Invitational Battle on the Bayou on Saturday at the Bernie Moore Stadium.
Running for Adidas, Richards clocked a time of 46.15 seconds, which was slightly ahead of Ohio State’s Tyler Johnson, who finished in a time 46.21 seconds. LSU’s Raymond Kibet secured the bronze in 46.69 seconds.
Speaking to Guardian Media Sports yesterday, Richards said, “I actually felt really good in comparison to last week. Last week was my first race and I ran 46.33 seconds, and it was more or less, me trying to find where I’m at. I had a few butterflies and I was just trying to see where my body was at in this point of the year. This week I felt more confident. I felt really strong running this weekend. It was a little bit windy down the home straight but I’m pretty much satisfied with time. I improved on the time that I ran last week so things are going really well right now.”
Richards started his season later than expected, with the World Championships taking place later in the year between September 28th and October 6th in Qatar. He began at the Florida Relays the week before and will next compete for this weekend in Alabama.
Richards, the 2018 FCB Sportsman of The Year and NAAA top men's athelete also for 2018, said, “I definitely want to win the World Championships, and that is always the ultimate goal… The plan of action for me this season is to stay healthy. That is number one. I want to be better than I was last year. Last year I was really consistent in the 200m and I’m really hoping that this consistency was a sign of a big drop coming up so I’m looking forward to opening in the 200m soon.”
The 2017 World Champs gold medalist isn’t sure when he will be opening his 200m season as he and his coach are still planning out the season ahead.