Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, born on June 7, 1985, in Cascade, Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the most decorated sprinters in the nation’s history. A proud alumnus of Queen’s Royal College (QRC), Richard’s athletic and academic foundation was shaped within its historic halls, where he also served as Deputy Head Boy. His explosive talent on the track became evident early under the mentorship of coach Ashwin Creed, earning him multiple national junior titles and paving the way to international acclaim.
After QRC, Thompson accepted a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU), where he emerged as one of the most outstanding collegiate athletes in the United States. In 2008, he was awarded the NCAA Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and the SEC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. He also shattered the NCAA 60m indoor record and helped secure a national championship for the LSU Tigers. That same year, he graduated with a degree in Business Management, demonstrating a commitment to excellence both on and off the track.
Thompson’s monumental breakthrough came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he stunned the world by earning a silver medal in the 100 metres with a personal best of 9.89 seconds. He later anchored the Trinidad and Tobago 4x100m relay team to silver, which was upgraded to gold following Jamaica’s disqualification. His outstanding Olympic performance earned him the Chaconia Medal (Gold), one of Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national awards. Richard Thompson continued to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the highest levels for over a decade, including the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In 2014, he ran a blistering 9.82 seconds to set a new national record in the 100 metres — a record that still stands to this day. He competed in five World Championships, earning a bronze in the 4x100m relay at the 2009 edition. Throughout his career, Richard Thompson amassed sixteen national titles across the 60m, 100m, and 200m events.
Beyond competition, Thompson has been a motivational speaker and mentor, advocating for discipline, goal-setting, and personal development. He launched ‘The Torch’ — a digital platform for mindset and wellness transformation — and has served as an executive coach and brand ambassador. In 2021, he was named a brand ambassador for the National Lotteries Control Board, supporting youth sports and education. His transition from elite athlete to public figure and entrepreneur is marked by humility and an enduring commitment to nation-building.
The Queen’s Royal College Old Boys’ Association is profoundly gratified to recognise Hall of Honour Inductee Richard Thompson – our Olympic hero and national icon.