Despite Failing to Break Usain Bolt’s Legacy, Andre De Grasse Drops Fresh Diamond League Record on American Turf

Andre De Grasse has been chasing Usain Bolt’s world record legacy for some time now. The Canadian track and field star boasts of a number of Olympics and world championship medals in men’s 200m, 100m, and 4x100m relay. In the past, even his on-track competitor, Usain Bolt, has acknowledged the Canadian’s prowess and his consistency on the podium. Bolt claimed that De Grasse will always be the guy to beat if he continues his impressive form.

At the 2023 Diamond League finals, De Grasse lived up to Bolt’s praise as he dominated the men’s 200m event after a troubled 2023 season. However, the reigning 200m Olympic champion besides his victory also set a record at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic.

Andre De Grasse sets new record in Eugene

Andre De Grasse came to Eugene after a slow 2023 season as he recovered from injuries throughout the year. This saw him finish sixth in the world championships in Budapest. However, the Canadian turned it around in Eugene as he became the 2023 200m Diamond League Champion after clocking a season-best time of 19.76 seconds at Hayward Field.

Besides this, De Grasse’s win at Eugene means he is now the first Canadian sprinter to win a final in the Diamond League competition. This comes as a surprise for the track world since the reigning 200m Olympic champion had not registered any wins this year in the 2023 Diamond League, even after appearing in five 200m events. However, despite a strong 19.76s run in Eugene, de Grasse’s best 200m run came at the last Tokyo Olympics.

Canadian track star’s personal best in Tokyo

Andre de Grasse won the men’s 200m event at the Tokyo Olympics. He beat the likes of Noah Lyles and Kenneth Bednarek as he set his career’s personal best time of 19.62 seconds. Bednarek had also secured a silver medal in a personal best time of 19.68, while Lyles had to settle for a bronze after running 19.74 seconds. De Grasse’s 19.62 seconds is also the 10th fastest time in the men’s 200m division and also serves as a national record for Canada in the 200m division.

Read more: The Real Story Behind Usain Bolt and Andre De Grasse’s Iconic Smile During an Olympics Race

With this latest win, fans of De Grasse will surely be ecstatic as he now sets his sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Canadian will have to stay healthy and injury-free if he wants to take another shot at reaching the heights of Usain Bolt and set even more records in Paris.

Watch this story: World Champion Noah Lyles Recalls the Words of Wisdom from His First Meeting with the Legendary Sprinter Usain Bolt