Key Points:
- Targeting the 100m: Despite winning 200m gold in Tokyo, De Grasse plans to prioritize the 100-meter sprint, citing it as his favorite and most competitive event.
- Retirement Roadmap: The 31-year-old sprinter intends for the LA 2028 Games to be his final Olympic appearance, aiming to retire near his home country of Canada.
- Embracing Innovation: De Grasse publicly welcomed technological advancements in track spikes and apparel, arguing that evolution in gear is necessary for the sport to reach new speeds.
Andre De Grasse is no stranger to the pressure of the global stage, but his journey to 2028 comes with new challenges. After a difficult 2024 Paris campaign where he failed to reach an individual final, the Canadian star is focused on “rejuvenation.” He anchored Canada to a stunning 4x100m relay gold in Paris, proving that his top-end speed remains elite even as he transitions into the veteran phase of his career.
The move to prioritize the 100 meters is a bold tactical shift. De Grasse acknowledged that the short sprint is increasingly dominated by a “new generation” of younger athletes. However, he believes his experience and improved training technology will allow him to shave critical milliseconds off his time. He likened the advancement of carbon-fiber spikes to the evolution of smartphones, embracing the “super shoe” era as a positive step for the sport.
Los Angeles holds a special significance for De Grasse. Having competed for the USC Trojans, he viewed the city as his second home long before it was named an Olympic host. He noted that the Olympic village will be a “short sprint” away from his old classrooms, adding a layer of personal motivation to his quest for one last individual medal.
His commitment to “clean sport” remains a cornerstone of his legacy. When asked about the controversial “Enhanced Games”—a proposed event allowing performance-enhancing substances—De Grasse reiterated his pride in competing as a clean athlete. He emphasized that his goal is to be the best in the world through hard work and fair play, a stance that has made him one of Canada’s most respected sporting ambassadors.
As he prepares for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the long road to LA, De Grasse is realistic but resolute. He knows he must first secure qualification against a field of rising stars. Yet, for a man who has medaled in nearly every major final he has entered, the “finish line” in Los Angeles seems like the perfect place to take a final bow.
