Like most citizens, Phillip Richards celebrated his son Jereem Richard's gold and bronze medal performances at the IAAF World Athletic Championships, but as a father, he was left feeling hurt at the lack of recognition he got.
Speaking to the Guardian yesterday, Richards was almost moved to tears as he described the mixture of emotions he experiences over the past week, looking on his offspring shocking the world. He said he was at his brother's house to witness Jereem finishing third in the 200-metres men's finals but missed the 4 × 400 metres relay team's inspiring victory. It was only yesterday that he saw the replay of the Jereem and his team mates Jarrin Solomon, Machel Cedenio and Lalonde Gordon's race.
"His performance was great and I really …show more content…
"I wanted to bring a medal to my country for my mother. She did everything for me. I am happy I could take her the bronze. Words alone can’t explain how grateful I am in this moment and how lucky I am to compete here," Jereem was quoted as saying on the IAAF website.
No mention was made of his father, who said yesterday, " I ain’t really feeling good."
Richards said he did his best for Jereem and although they did not live together, they were really close. He said Jereem even spend the Christmas holidays with him in Fanny Village. Even when the young sprinter was worried about not being prepared for the championship, he said he helped him to get things in order, which eventually led to his success in England.
"I am still trying to figure out what is going on," Richards said. However, he said he will talk to his son as he was still proud at what he has accomplished. Contacted yesterday, Jereem's sister Brittney said her brother has not done anything fancy since his return and just wanted to
Speaking to the Guardian yesterday, Richards was almost moved to tears as he described the mixture of emotions he experiences over the past week, looking on his offspring shocking the world. He said he was at his brother's house to witness Jereem finishing third in the 200-metres men's finals but missed the 4 × 400 metres relay team's inspiring victory. It was only yesterday that he saw the replay of the Jereem and his team mates Jarrin Solomon, Machel Cedenio and Lalonde Gordon's race.
"His performance was great and I really …show more content…
"I wanted to bring a medal to my country for my mother. She did everything for me. I am happy I could take her the bronze. Words alone can’t explain how grateful I am in this moment and how lucky I am to compete here," Jereem was quoted as saying on the IAAF website.
No mention was made of his father, who said yesterday, " I ain’t really feeling good."
Richards said he did his best for Jereem and although they did not live together, they were really close. He said Jereem even spend the Christmas holidays with him in Fanny Village. Even when the young sprinter was worried about not being prepared for the championship, he said he helped him to get things in order, which eventually led to his success in England.
"I am still trying to figure out what is going on," Richards said. However, he said he will talk to his son as he was still proud at what he has accomplished. Contacted yesterday, Jereem's sister Brittney said her brother has not done anything fancy since his return and just wanted to