The six-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse never shies away from asserting his dominance on the tracks. However, his 2023 season has not been on a great note so far. The Canadian sprinter participated in just the men’s 200m event at the recent 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. He finished well outside a podium place in sixth and left Budapest with no medals.

Even in the 2023 Diamond League, De Grasse had zero wins in the 200m event after five appearances. Nonetheless, coming into the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, the Canadian was not considered the favorite in a lineup that boasted the likes of 19-year-old Erriyon Knighton, who had previously broken Usain Bolt’s record. However, as the clock stopped in Eugene, Andre de Grasse earned his first major title in 2023.

Andre de Grasse beats Erriyon Knighton

Back in 2021, U.S. track prodigy Erriyon Knighton broke Usain Bolt’s 200m under-18 record when he ran 20.11 seconds in Florida. A few weeks later, he broke Bolt’s 200m under-20 record when he ran 19.88 seconds at the Olympic Trials.

Knighton also won a silver medal this year in the 200m world championships in Budapest, beating the likes of reigning Olympic champion Andre De Grasse.

However, at the 2023 Diamond League finals in Eugene, Knighton fell short as the Canadian sprinter finished first with a season-best performance of 19.76 seconds. Knighton finished third in 19.97 seconds as his fellow U.S. teammate Kenny Bednarek finished second in 19.95 seconds.

According to a CBC report, shortly after the race, de Grasse said, “Next year’s a big year obviously with the Olympics, so I wanted to try to just give it all to try to see where I’m at going into next season.” 

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He further said that he wishes to maintain his health, something that he has struggled with this year. The reigning Olympic champion believes that his form is returning, and he is only focusing now on his fitness and speed. After a difficult season altogether, De Grasse also mentioned how this win has affected him.

Canadian track star reflects on a difficult 2023 season

After a lackluster 2023 season, Andre De Grasse has finally found his form. Since his win in Eugene earned him his first major trophy for the season, the Olympian stated that he is beyond grateful and will place this trophy, along with his Olympic and world championship medals, in his trophy cabinet.

He further emphasized that he looks forward to clinching more such titles in the future, but is very happy with his first-ever Diamond League title.

With the 2023 season now over, Andre De Grasse will be looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics. His win in Eugene marks a return to form for the reigning Olympic champion who will aim to stay healthy and recover to his fullest before he takes on the likes of Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton once again.

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