Fatherhood ‘new chapter’ for De Grasse

He’s enjoyed the thrill of winning an Olympic medal and dealt with the frustration of battling through injury, but Andre De Grasse says becoming a father is a totally new experience.

De Grasse’s girlfriend Nia Ali gave birth to a girl Saturday in Philadelphia.

The couple has named the child Yuri.

“It’s a different type of feeling,” De Grasse said Monday. “It’s a new step into becoming a man. It’s a new chapter in my life. It’s going to be a great ride. I’m looking forward to enjoying it.”

De Grasse is in Vancouver to compete at the Harry Jerome International Track Classic. He will run the 100 metres Tuesday and the 4x100-metre relay Wednesday. Both events are part of the Jerome meet’s China-versus-Canada Team Sprint Challenge.

Escaping to the West Coast has allowed the triple Olympic medallist to catch up on some rest.

“It’s been a little bit of no sleep,” De Grasse said with a chuckle. “I get a chance to get away a little bit. I’m in the hotel and get a little sleep.”

De Grasse is looking to get his season back on track after a couple of disappointing Diamond League performances.

The 23-year-old from Markham, Ont., said he finally feels healthy after recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain that forced him out of last year’s world track and field championships. De Grasse also decided to skip this year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I went back to the drawing board after a couple of races,” he said. “I’m feeling better now, a little more fit.”

De Grasse plans to use the Jerome meet as a springboard for next week’s Canadian championships in Ottawa, then return to Europe for a couple of Diamond League events.

“I want to score some points there and try to get into the Diamond League final.”