Andre De Grasse

Andre De Grasse is recognized as one of the most accomplished sprinters in Canadian track and field history. A seven-time Olympic medalist, De Grasse is tied as Canada's all-time most decorated Olympian alongside swimmer Penny Oleksiak. His introduction to sprinting was unconventional; after his high school basketball program was canceled, De Grasse entered a track meet wearing basketball shorts and borrowed spikes, finishing second in his first race and launching his sprinting career.

De Grasse gained international attention at the Rio Olympics, becoming the first Canadian athlete to win Olympic medals in all three sprint events. He earned bronze in the 100 meters, silver in the 200 meters—setting a Canadian record in the semifinals—and another bronze as the anchor of the men's 4x100-meter relay team. At the Tokyo Games, De Grasse captured Olympic gold in the 200 meters with a Canadian record-breaking time, and added a bronze medal in the 100 meters as well as a silver in the 4x100-meter relay. His gold medal marked the first Canadian Olympic gold in track in 25 years and the first in the 200 meters in 93 years. De Grasse consistently reached the podium, earning medals in every Olympic and World Championship final he competed in over several years.

At the Paris Olympics, De Grasse served as a co-Opening Ceremony flag bearer and secured his status as Canada's most decorated Olympian, achieving a total of seven Olympic medals. Running in lane 9 and overcoming a hamstring injury, he anchored the Canadian relay team to a gold medal. Beyond the Olympics, De Grasse won gold in the 4x100-meter relay at the World Athletics Championships, breaking the national record, and contributed to a bronze medal finish at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou.

Off the track, De Grasse is the author of the picture book "Race with Me!" and "Ignite: Unlock the Hidden Potential Within," which draws from his experiences in elite athletics to share lessons on determination, resilience, and perseverance. He is the founder of the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation, which supports youth through access to sports, education, and healthcare. The foundation has received support from P&G and the International Olympic Committee to help high school athletes reach their potential. De Grasse's career in athletics is marked by record-breaking performances, resilience, and a commitment to community engagement, making him a prominent figure in Canadian sports and youth empowerment.