Jereem clocks 44.44 in Monaco

Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem "The Dream" Richards achieved a season's best performance at the Herculis EBS Wanda Diamond League meet in Monaco, clocking 44.44 seconds for sixth place in the men's 400 meters.

Botswana's Busang Kebinatshipi dominated the event, crossing the finish line in 43.44 seconds, a new national and Diamond League record. American athletes Jacory Patterson and Rai Benjamin secured second and third places with times of 43.96 and 44.13 seconds, respectively.

Competing from the challenging lane eight, Richards delivered a determined run. He led at the 150-meter mark and was in second place around 250 meters, but ultimately finished sixth as other competitors outpaced him in the final stretch. Despite the placement, the time represented the ninth fastest of his career.

“

I did not expect me to be fast like this. We are just playing around and see how fast we can go towards the end of the season. Monaco is a very good place for me. I did my very first Diamond League race here in 2024 so I just wanted to come here and make the mark. I did not race under the pressure. It is only about the joy.

Following his victory, Kebinatshipi expressed surprise at his record-breaking performance, stating he was "just playing around" and aiming to see his speed towards the end of the season. He highlighted Monaco as a significant venue, having run his first Diamond League race there in 2024. Kebinatshipi also dedicated his performance to his mentor, Isaac Makwala.

In other track and field news, Trinidad and Tobago's Nathan Cumberbatch finished second in his section and 12th overall in the men's 800m event at the Meeting Internacional de Barcelona on Tuesday, with a time of 1 minute, 46.74 seconds.

“

You know, I have very busy two weeks with all the competitions. But I do it also as appreciation to Isaac Makwala, who is my role model, my friend and my mentor. He is very close to me.