In the wake of the breathtaking performances by the pair of Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, last week, the latter has made a call for more support to be given to the country's athletes from the grassroots level straight to the international arena.

The 31-year-old Richards copped silver in the men's 400-metre in the World Championships with a brilliant national-record run of 43.72 seconds, with his Tokyo roommate Walcott winning the men's javelin event with a series of strong throws which included his victorious mark of 88.16 metres.

Four days after their countrymen locked into their TV screens to see athletic excellence, Richards and Walcott were celebrated on their return home at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport on September 22. And while Richards was appreciative of all the love and support which has come the pair's way after their recent exploits, he said support from the early stages would prove even more meaningful in the long run.