Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts has extended congratulations to Olympians Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards, who both medalled at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
“I am absolutely ecstatic about today’s performances. Keshorn Walcott’s gold medal with that magnificent 88.16-metre throw demonstrates why he remains one of the world’s elite javelin throwers. His consistency and ability to deliver when it matters most is truly remarkable. And Jereem Richards – what a phenomenal run! A silver medal and a new national record of 43.72 seconds in the 400m show the incredible depth of talent we have in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Minister Watts credited the country’s long-term planning and athlete support systems for creating the platform for success and urged continued momentum across the pathway from youth development to elite performance.
“What we’re witnessing is not a coincidence – it’s the result of sustained investment in our athlete programme, world-class coaching, and the natural talent that exists within our twin-island republic. The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is committed to maintaining and expanding our support systems for elite athletes. We are seeing young athletes coming through our development programmes who are inspired by champions like Keshorn and Jereeem. With continued strategic planning, proper funding, and the right infrastructure, I firmly believe we can not only maintain this presence but also achieve even greater heights. Our goal is to build on this momentum and establish Trinidad and Tobago as a consistent force in international athletics.”
Looking ahead, the Minister said the Government is considering appropriate ways to honour the athletes while doubling down on investments that will help future stars rise.
“These athletes deserve recognition that matches their extraordinary achievements. We’re exploring various ways to honour them appropriately – from official government recognition to ensuring they receive the support they need to continue competing at the highest level. So we go beyond formal recognition. The greatest appreciation we can show is by investing in the generation of athletes, which I’m doing, and ensuring our sport infrastructure continues to develop. We want to also create an environment where future champions can emerge and follow in the footsteps of Keshorn and Jereem. Their successes belong to all of Trinidad and Tobago, and we will celebrate them as the national heroes they truly are.”
With Walcott’s gold-standard throw and Richards’ national-record run, Team TTO’s latest achievements reinforce the country’s reputation for punching above its weight and, as the Minister underscored, signal a sustained era of excellence rooted in planning, support, and belief.