As the streets of Point Fortin erupted with music, jouvert, mas, and merriment during the Borough Day weekend, one of the town’s proudest sons was celebrating in his own unforgettable way, not with paint and powder, but with power and precision on the track.
While thousands back home danced through Jouvert morning and enjoyed the fetes, Jereem Richards was commanding the world stage at the 2025 Grand Slam Track Miami meet from May 2–4. And just like his hometown, Richards had every reason to celebrate.
On May 2, Jereem lit up the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, with a blistering 19.86-second finish in the 200m final, a world-leading time. In a thrilling photo finish, he edged out Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando, both clocking the same time down to the hundredth of a second. It was a defining moment, not just for the meet, but for Richards’ career, his first sub-20 run since 2022, arriving poetically as his hometown was mid-celebration.
The next day, he followed up with a 44.32-second run in the 400m, placing second behind American Jacory Patterson, who set a new world lead at 43.98s. Richards’ combined results earned him the overall long sprints championship and a tidy US $100,000 prize purse, a major triumph that paralleled the spirit of celebration back in Point Fortin.
Back home, steelbands rang out and revelers shouted in unity, while in Miami, Jereem ran with fire, heart, and the pride of his community. It was as if the rhythm of the Borough Day drums echoed through his spikes, reminding the world that Point Fortin doesn’t just raise partiers… it raises champions.
“They are not beating me. Bring anybody. Once I’m healthy, they will not beat me,” Richards declared after the race.
Jereem’s story isn’t finished yet. With two more Grand Slam Track meets to go, Philadelphia (May 30–June 1) and Los Angeles (June 27–29), he’s looking to extend his winning streak. But no matter what the future holds, the Borough Day of 2025 will always be remembered for two parallel celebrations, one in the streets of Point, and the other on a world-class track in Miami.
Jereem didn’t need a stage in his hometown this year. The world was his stage, and he brought Point Fortin with him every step of the way.