The next stop on the road to Paris for 2024 Olympic track and field contenders was Sunday in the Bermuda Grand Prix. With the U.S. Olympic trials just two months away, several medal hopefuls, led by sprinter Noah Lyles, competed at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix. One such hopeful is Jereem Richards who found himself at the center of attention after an incident during the 200m dash at the Bermuda Grand Prix.

Jereem Richards, known for his exceptional speed on the track, from team Trinidad and Tobago blazed to victory, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. In a moment of early celebration, he slowed down slightly before actually crossing the finish line but clinched the win. 

Jereem Richards’ early celebration costs him the 200m dash triumph

NBC Olympics recently shared a clip of Jereem Richards on Instagram celebrating the victory with his hands ‘wide open’ with the caption, “Winning races and having fun doing it 😂” at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix on Sunday. In the men’s 200m dash, Jereem Richards flared to victory with a time of 20.39 seconds, leaving behind Matthew Boling of the USA, securing second place in 20.42 seconds, and Udodie Onwuzrike from Nigeria securing third place with a time of 20.61 seconds. What catches the attention is the way Richards celebrates by putting his hands out and allegedly slowing down  Boling before he reaches the finish line. 

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In the video, it’s clear that Jereem Richards initiates his celebration early, even before reaching the finish line. Matthew Boling, the NCAA indoor champion in 2021 and 2023 for Georgia, boasts a 19.92 outdoor record. He also won silver in the 4×400 at the World Indoor Championships and contributed to a world record in the mixed 4×400 in 2023. So winning chances for Boling was also good but as Matthew Boling closes in, Richards appears to gesture as if ensuring he will win, creating an impression that he’s impeding Boling’s progress. This behavior left fans disappointed in Richards’ actions during the race. 

“You’re impeding”: Jereem Richards’ victory celebration questioned by fans

Jereem Richards, a bronze medalist at the 2017 World Championships, also secured a gold in the 400 meters at the 2022 World Indoor Championships. Fans voiced disappointment over Jereem Richards’ early celebration this time, feeling it hampered the run of Matthew Boling. One of the fans commented in anger, expressing frustration at Jereem Richards, “Should’ve Been a DQ”. Another fan felt his before-line celebration had an impact on the race against Matthew Boling and commented, “Too close of a race to have your arms out celebrating like that.. you’re impeding your competition and it obviously isn’t a good look on the replay”.

A fan reacted with a touch of sarcasm, saying, “It’s okay to be unique you are not quite Usain Bolt yet”. One fan also praised him and said to keep up the great work, “Nice run @reemy_rich19”. The next fan was shocked and commented, “@matthew_boling1 was. Was. UNM. Invite @andymurray963”. 

This incident at the Bermuda Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the fine margins in competitive sports and the importance of maintaining focus until the very end of a race.