Competing in the era of Usain Bolt was a monumental challenge for any athlete. Bolt was a phenomenon, a headline-stealer who dominated the track, making it seem almost impossible for others to shine. Yet, amidst this era of greatness, some athletes managed to carve out their own legacy. Andre De Grasse is a prime example, transcending mere participation to become a beacon of excellence in Canadian athletics.

De Grasse’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In the two Olympic Games he has competed in, he has secured an impressive six medals, making him the most decorated track star in Canada’s history. His rise to prominence began in earnest during Bolt’s swan song at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At just 21 years old, De Grasse stayed stride for stride with Bolt, ultimately claiming the silver medal but winning the hearts of spectators worldwide with his tenacity and promise.

Since then, De Grasse’s career has been marked by remarkable achievements. He clinched gold in the 200-meter final at the Tokyo Olympics, further cementing his status as a top-tier sprinter. His silver medal at the 2019 Doha World Championships showcased his consistency and resilience. Now, as he heads into the Paris Olympics at 29, De Grasse carries with him a wealth of experience and a legacy of overcoming injuries and obstacles.

Fans and pundits alike see De Grasse as Canada’s best hope for a medal in track and field. His journey from a promising young athlete to a seasoned competitor is a testament to his enduring spirit and exceptional talent. Much of his success, he humbly credits to his mother, whose encouragement set him on the path to sprinting greatness

Olympic Gold medallist Andre De Grasse owes it to his sprinting mother for his success

Andre De Grasse comes from a sprinting background. His mother, Beverly DeGrasse used to compete in her high school in Trinidad. At the age of 26, she moved to Canada for a better standard of life. She is a Catholic and has made her son follow the same path of religious belief. Alex Waithe is DeGrasse’s father. He was a guidance counselor before his retirement. During his teenage years, Waithe moved from his hometown of Barbados to Canada. This history of immigrance is another reason the parents feel immense pride when their son is recognized as the greatest in the country.

DeGrasse recognizes his mother as the main reason he started running. During his childhood, she recognized his immense pace and enrolled him in soccer. But De Grasse showed more interest in Basketball. After his high school basketball team was discontinued for some reason, he decided to concentrate on track and field. He has credited his mother numerous times for giving him motivation and always supporting him. Well, his decision to take track and field worked out great not just for him, but the country itself.

Andre De Grasse returns to former coach Rana Reider months after split

In October 2023, Andre De Grasse returned to his coach Rana Reider to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This was just one year after he had decided to move on, due to unspecified distractions. The move has been very controversial as Reider has had a very questionable past. He was recently in court ordered probation after he was found in a relationship with an 18 year old athlete.

He was also criticized for his ties with disgraced sprinter Blessing Okagbare, who is serving a doping ban of 11 years. However, Reider still has an elite athlete in his ranks which is Marcell Jacobs. John Coghlan, who he left for Reider, said that it is common for athletes to train with people who they have had success with previously. It will be interesting to see if this decision pays off during the Paris Olympics. There is a chance of backlash from fans if he fails to perform after this gutsy move.