“I’ll like to encourage people to support the sport more,” the World Athletics Indoor Championship men’s 400 metres gold medallist told the Express, “from the local level all the way to the top. We have a lot of talented athletes in Trinidad and Tobago and most people don’t know who they are until they win something. So please support and pay attention to local sport.”

Richards ran unbeaten at the World Indoors in Belgrade, Serbia. On Friday, the 28-year-old track star won his first round and semi-final heats. He then clocked a championship and national indoor record time of 45.00 seconds in Saturday’s final to become T&T’s first-ever World Indoors gold medallist.

After the race, Richards honoured the late Deon Lendore, the previous holder of the T&T indoor record at 45.03.

“At that time, when I paid tribute to Deon with his signature archer-style (bow and arrow) celebration, I was just thinking ‘we did it bro’. This is definitely very important. I hope that this victory brings more attention to track and field and motivates the younger generation just like Deon motivated us.

“The week leading into the Championships, anytime I had a difficult practice and I would lay on the track tired but still had to be up for any rep or run, I would remember who I was doing it for. That really helped me.”

The 45-flat clocking was not only an indoor best for Richards, but also eclipsed his 45.21 seconds outdoor best.

“I really didn’t expect to run any time,” the 2017 World Championship 4x400m gold medallist explained. “I knew it was going to take something fast to win but my main focus was to be the first person to cross the line.”

Richards earned 200m bronze at the 2017 World Championships, and is considered a specialist in the deuce. The Point Fortin athlete, however, begs to differ.

“Jereem Richards was always a 400 metres runner. He just prefers the 200.”

With the Serbia success, Richards is now faced with a choice between the 200 and the 400 for the July 15-24 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

“At this time, I’m not sure which event I’ll be competing in. Only God knows the answer to that question.” T&T did not field a men’s 4×4 team in Belgrade. Belgium struck gold in the event in three minutes, 06.52 seconds. Spain secured silver in 3:06.82, with bronze going to Netherlands in 3:06.90.

At the 2018 World Indoor Championships, Lendore, Richards, Asa Guevara and Lalonde Gordon combined for fourth spot in 3:02.52. In 2016, Jarrin Solomon, Gordon, Ade Alleyne-Forte and Lendore teamed up for bronze in 3:05.51.

“I regretted not having a 4×4 team,” said Richards, “after watching the times that got medals, but I understand that we didn’t have enough athletes available to compete in that event.”

The build-up to Belgrade 2022 was a very emotional time for Richards. In addition to losing Lendore, a close friend and teammate, Richards was mourning the deaths of his grandmother and great uncle. Victory, therefore, was that much sweeter.

“This title for me meant representing and remembering my family and friends in a special way with a gold medal.”