PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The prestigious First Citizens Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards ceremony, held on Saturday at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago, was a night to remember for two remarkable athletes.
Jereem Richards, the sensational sprinter, earned his fourth Sportsman of the Year title, while cricket star Karishma Ramharack claimed the much-coveted Sportswoman of the Year award.
For Richards, this triumph comes as no surprise. The 31-year-old has established himself as a formidable force in the world of track and field. This latest accolade is his fourth win, following similar honors in 2017, 2018, and 2022. Richards’ exceptional achievements in 2024 solidified his place at the top once again.
‘I’m grateful for the continued recognition,’ says Richards
“Being named Sportsman of the Year is always an honor, and I’m grateful for the continued recognition of my hard work and dedication,” Richards said, his words resonating with humility despite his undeniable dominance. His remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched fourth place in the 400 meters with a blazing time of 43.78 seconds — a national record — was a defining moment in his illustrious career.
In addition to his Olympic feat, Richards made his mark on the international stage with impressive semi-final finishes at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. He also secured podium finishes at the Diamond League meetings in London and Rome, along with a stellar victory in the 200 meters at the Continental Tour in Luzern.
Meanwhile, Ramharack, a 29-year-old off-spinner, earned her first Sportswoman of the Year award, making history as the first cricketer to claim the honor since the legendary Brian Lara won it in 2005. Her extraordinary contributions to West Indies cricket, particularly during the World Cup, were nothing short of remarkable.
‘Truly humbling.’ says Ramharack
“Being recognized as Sportswoman of the Year is truly humbling. It’s an honor to be acknowledged alongside such incredible athletes, and it’s a testament to the hard work of my teammates and coaching staff,” Ramharack reflected.
Her standout performance in the World Cup, where she claimed six wickets at an outstanding average of 13.83, was pivotal in propelling West Indies to the semi-finals. Her spellbinding 4-17 performance against Bangladesh was particularly memorable, as it helped secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Ramharack’s brilliance was also evident during the ODI series in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, further cementing her place among the nation’s elite.
In the Youth Awards category, cycling was the dominant force, with Jelani Nedd and Makaira Wallace taking home the titles of Youth Sportsman and Youth Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.
