Despite being one of the most decorated sprinters in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards says he remains unsure whether he will compete in the 200m or 400m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, after excelling in both events at the second leg of the Grand Slam Track series in Miramar, Florida, over the weekend.

“This year, I would say I feel equal in both events,” Richards said following his races. “I mean, 19.86 in the 200 and 44.32 in the 400—right now, I don't know which one I’ll be running at the World Championships.”

The 30-year-old finished second in the 400m on Sunday in 44.32 but secured the US$100,000 prize for winning the Long Sprints category, having claimed the 200m on Saturday in a then-world-leading 19.86. His consistency and versatility have left selectors and fans alike pondering which event gives him the best shot at global glory later this year.

Richards, a 2017 World Championship 4x400m gold medallist, the 2022 World Indoor 400m champion, and a two-time Commonwealth Games 200m gold medallist, has quietly built one of the most complete resumes in the sport. Yet, he feels his contributions often go unrecognized.

“I don’t look for ratings from anyone, but I think I’m very underrated in this sport,” he declared. “And that’s okay. I run for myself, for my family, for my country. Once I get that love and support from them, that’s what matters.”

At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Richards ran a stunning 43.78 in the 400m final—a national record and the fastest time ever run at the Olympics without earning a medal, underscoring both his quality and the incredible level of competition.

The Grand Slam Track series, he says, has given him a platform to sharpen his skills in both events.

“I’ve been able to work on both my speed and strength, and to execute my race models in both the 200 and 400 metres. The Grand Slam has really helped with that,” he said, calling the experience a “blessing.”