Jereem Richards, the Trinidadian sprinter, has been making headlines lately for his impressive performance at the 2025 Grand Slam Track series. Not only did he win the Men’s Long Sprints title in Miami, but he also walked away with a hefty prize of $100,000. This is just the latest achievement in a career that has been packed with Olympic glory and world records. However, behind every stride of this sprint beast lies a story of determination and family support. And at the forefront of this support are his parents, Cornelius Richards and Yvette Wilson.
Cornelius Richards is a former athlete himself, having represented Trinidad and Tobago in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. He was a member of the 4x400m relay team that won the bronze medal in 1992, making history as the first Caribbean team to do so. His wife, Yvette Wilson, was also an athlete, competing in the long jump event. She was a two-time national champion and represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
From a young age, Jereem was exposed to the world of athletics through his parents. He was born in Moruga, a small community in the southeastern part of Trinidad, where his parents still live. From the moment he could walk, Jereem was always active, constantly running around and playing sports with his older brother. His parents quickly noticed his natural talent for running and encouraged him to pursue athletics.
Growing up, Jereem faced many challenges, both on and off the track. His family didn’t have much, and his parents worked hard to support their four children. However, they never let their financial struggles hinder their children’s dreams. They instilled in Jereem the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. These values would eventually shape him into the athlete he is today.
Jereem’s parents not only provided him with emotional support but also played an active role in his training. Cornelius, being a former athlete, coached his son and helped him develop his technique and speed. Yvette, on the other hand, focused on his diet and nutrition, making sure he had the proper fuel to perform at his best. Their unwavering support and guidance helped Jereem excel in his sport and achieve his goals.
In 2015, Jereem won his first international medal at the CARIFTA Games, bringing home a bronze medal in the 400m event. This fueled his determination to continue working hard and achieving even greater success. In 2016, he won the 200m title at the Junior CARIFTA Games and went on to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympics in Rio, where he made it to the semifinals in the 200m event.
However, it was in 2017 that Jereem truly made a name for himself. At the IAAF World Championships in London, he shocked the world by winning the bronze medal in the 200m event. He also ran the anchor leg in the 4x400m relay, helping his team secure the gold medal and setting a world-leading time of 2:58.12. Jereem’s performance in London solidified his place as one of the best sprinters in the world.
Since then, Jereem has continued to dominate the track, setting personal bests and earning more medals. He also made history at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, winning silver in the 200m and bronze in the 400m, becoming the first man in history to medal in both events at a major championships. His success has brought him fame, fortune, and the admiration of many, but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his parents.
At the 2025 Grand Slam Track series, Jereem once again proved his dominance, winning the Men’s Long Sprints title in Miami. His parents were there, cheering him on and beaming with pride. They have been there every step of the way, watching their son grow from a young boy with a dream to a world-class athlete. Their unwavering support has been a driving force in Jereem’s success, and he never forgets to thank them for everything they have done for him.
In an interview, Jereem once said, “Everything I do is for my family, especially my parents. They sacrificed
