Sprinter Jereem ‘The Dream’ Richards made a strong start to the 2023 season by finishing second in the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston Massachusetts, USA on Saturday.
Following on a year in which he broke a number of barriers, inclusive of the World Indoor Championships in March 2022, where he became the lone T&T athlete to have won a medal (gold medal) at the event in a time of 45:00, Richards also produced good form in the race, as he led for most of the race, before being pipped at the end by American Noah Williams.
Both runners’ times were the same at 45:88 seconds, but the American squeezed in on Richards’ blindside to the inside to break the ribbon for the first-place position in a photo finish.
Another American Vernon Norwood secured the third place and resulting bronze medal in a time of 45.92 seconds, while Alex Haydock-Wilson of Great Britain stormed home for fourth in 46.29 seconds, and a new personal best time.
Javon Francis of Jamaica completed the top five finish in a time of 47.61 seconds.
In December and last month, Richards was hailed for his performances for 2022, receiving the top awards at the TTOC and NAAAs Awards, following his gold medal performance at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in the 200 metre sprint final, which was achieved in a personal best time and new meet record.
He entered the final with a personal best time of 19.83 seconds which he then erased with a new time of 19.80 seconds.
