Andre De Grasse
Andre De Grasse, fueled by his recent strong performance, is optimistic about his chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics, confident in his ability to challenge the world’s top sprinters.
“I feel like I’m back to my old self,” remarked the Canadian sprinter during a gathering at Claude-Robillard sports complex on Wednesday. "My speed is returning.”
De Grasse heads into the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic track and field trials following a standout run of 10.00 seconds at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, last week, meeting the 100-meter qualifying mark for the Paris Games.
This marked his fastest time since September 2021, when he clocked 9.89 seconds at the Diamond League final.
The six-time Olympic medalist hasn’t dipped below 10 seconds since then but is eager to achieve that milestone during the trials, scheduled from Wednesday through Sunday.
“It’s the quickest I’ve run in three years, since 2021, so it’s a big confidence boost to know I’m rediscovering my speed,” De Grasse shared about his performance in Finland. “I’m confident in my top-end speed and believe I can compete with anyone.”
“Last week in Finland, it confirmed to me that I’m making progress and getting back into form. This Friday, I’m looking forward to building on that.”
De Grasse, who secured gold in the 200 meters and bronze in the 100 at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, aims to win the men's 100-meter final this Friday.
The 29-year-old from Markham, Ontario, is focusing solely on the 100 meters this week and will not compete in the 200 meters. However, he plans to defend his Olympic title in Paris.
“My coach and I decided to concentrate on regaining my speed,” he explained. “Once I have that, the 200 meters will come easier to me.”
A formidable Canadian team, boasting world and Olympic champions, is competing this week.
The trials began with hammer-throwing world champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg on Wednesday. Decathlete Pierce LePage, the world champion, is absent due to medical reasons, but reigning Olympic champion Damian Warner is participating in three events. Another standout to watch is Marco Arop, the world champion in the 800 meters.
But De Grasse remains a prominent figure. He holds the record as Canada's most decorated male Summer Games athlete with six Olympic medals (one gold, two silver, three bronze) — and he hopes to add to that tally this summer.
“I draw on my experience. It’s beneficial to have two Olympic Games under my belt,” said De Grasse, known for peaking at major events. “I won’t be star-struck. I know the lights will be bright, and I thrive on that.”
Joining De Grasse was emerging star Audrey Leduc.
The 25-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec, set Canadian records in the women's 100 and 200 meters this year. Despite meeting the Olympic qualifying standards, she remains committed with family and friends coming to watch her compete this week.
“You can never push too hard on the track,” she stated. “The faster you run, the faster you’ll be in the next race, in my opinion.”
Leduc also played a pivotal role in Canada's qualification for the women’s 4x100 relay last month, running the third leg with a time of 10.18 seconds at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas.
“I’m thrilled for her,” De Grasse commented. “I saw her in the Bahamas, where she helped qualify for the 4x100-meter relay. It’s the first time since 2016 on the women’s side, and it’s amazing to witness her progress and achievements.”
Athletics Canada will announce the Canadian team on July 2, with the Paris Games set to commence on July 26.
